Ghana: President of Republic of Ghana – Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has welcomed the legendary musician Stevland Hardaway Morris with a Ghanaian citizenship.
Stevie Wonder as he is popularly known as, has been recognised with the citizenship of Ghana to honour his immense talent and achievements. This acknowledges his deep connection with the African continent and his tireless efforts to promote unity, solidarity and cultural exchanges among all people of African descent.
A great humanitarian and global icon Stevie Wonder stated that his decision to become a citizen of Ghana is a testament to his profound respects and admiration for the nation’s history, culture and values.
Reportedly, the Grammy winner was also presented with a birthday cake, a Ghanaian flag iced on top of it. He mentioned this and said that gaining Ghanaian nationality on his birthday was an “amazing thing”.
Stevie further described his new citizenship as a vivid manifestation of the goals of the Year of Return that was commemorated in 2019 as a bridge between the African peoples on both sides of the Atlantic. The artist then called on all to “draw the inspiration from his legacy and strive to build a future where creativity flourishes, diversity is celebrated and the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood transcends all differences.”
President of Ghana has added to his statement that in conferring Ghanaian citizenship upon Stevie Wonder, we not only extend our warmest embrace to a beloved son of Africa but also reaffirms the belief in enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism and the global African family with the boundless potential of the continent and all its descendants.
Becoming the citizen of the Ghana, Stevie Wonder joins several generations of diasporans such as missionaries, policemen, lawyers, doctors, health workers, writers, artists and musicians who have committed their lives to make Ghana their home.
The President said that there are others who joined Stevie Wonders which includes “George Padmore who is a close associate of the first President – Kwame Nkrumah; Bob Marley’s widow – Rita, who has found a home with us in Aburi; Maya Angelou who is a contemporary of mine at the University of Ghana, Legon who is a celebrated writer and has spent a considerable part of her youth with us and W.E.B. du Bois a great scholar and the one who has found a home in Ghana and was buried here too.”
The President defined his life as synonymous with the creativity and the transformative power of music. He said that Stevie Wonder’s illustrious career, spanning over six decades and has not only captivated the hearts and minds of millions around the world with his soulful melodies and unparalleled talent but has also used his platform to champion social justice, equality and human rights.
“From his timeless classics, that have become anthems of hope and inspiration, to his tireless advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities, Stevie Wonder has touched the lives of countless individuals and has left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness,” added the President.
Notably, the President cited a personal favourite and oft-cited statement of the famous Jamaican reggae star – Peter Tosh, who once said quite rightly, “don’t care where you come here, as long as you’re a black man, you’re an African.”
