United States singer Ciara Princess Harris has officially been made a citizen of Benin under a new law offering nationality to persons whose descendants were taken from Benin to gain citizenship elsewhere.

Princess Harris made this known in an Instagram post with the caption “July 26, history was made.”

The singer’s post further indicated that she was honoured to receive the citizenship “on this year’s United Nations International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent."

“I was honored to receive Beninese citizenship, becoming the first person in the world granted nationality under this new initiative! To be welcomed by His Excellency President Patrice Talon, the Office of Benin Tourism, and the beautiful people of Benin is a moment I will never forget,” Ciara added.

Benin joined countries like Ghana and Guinea-Bissau in offering citizenship to people with an African ancestor who were taken from their homeland as part of the transatlantic slave trade by enacting the My Afro Origins Law last year.

On September 2, 2024, Benin enacted Law No. 2024-31, officially granting citizenship to individuals of sub-Saharan African descent whose ancestors were forcibly deported during the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

The African Diaspora Group has reported that, under Benin's new law granting nationality to descendants of enslaved Africans, individuals are required to apply through the My Afro Origins platform and must be at least 18 years old.

They must not hold citizenship from another African country and be able to prove descent from enslaved people who were deported from sub-Saharan Africa.

Acceptable forms of proof include DNA test results, genealogical records or authenticated testimonies, and civil documents.

Once an application is approved, applicants are issued a certificate of eligibility, which becomes a provisional nationality status valid for several years.

During this period, recipients are expected to visit Benin to at least complete the process and obtain full citizenship. It also said applicants are required to provide testimonies or family records demonstrating their ancestral links.

A dedicated digital portal, My Afro Origins, launched on July 4, 2025 streamlines the application process.

It includes a $100 application fee to strengthen ties between Benin and the global African diaspora.

Benin occupies a central place in the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, with Ouidah and the bight of Benin serving as major departure points.

Historians estimate that close to 1.5 million enslaved Africans were deported from this region to the Americas, from the Caribbean to Brazil, Haiti, and North America.

In an unrelated event, Hollywood actor Jesse Eisenberg officially became a Polish citizen, granted by President Andrzej Duda in recognition of his efforts to highlight Jewish history in his Oscar-winning film A Real Pain.

Eisenberg, who wrote, directed, and starred in the movie, tells the story of two American cousins traveling to Poland to pay tribute to their grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. The character was inspired by his own great aunt.

Speaking at the citizenship ceremony, Eisenberg reflected on his deepening connection with Poland during filming. “As I walked through the streets and grew more familiar with this place, I realized something striking—my family lived here for generations, far longer than we’ve been in New York,” he said.

He acknowledged the painful history that severed those ties. “Beyond the tragedy itself, there was also the loss of connection. My family no longer felt linked to Poland, and that saddened me. It made me determined to reconnect in any way I could,” he shared. “I hope that tonight, through this incredible honor, is the beginning of that journey for me and my family.”

Eisenberg’s inspiration for A Real Pain came after the passing of his great aunt Doris at the age of 106 in 2019. She had fled Poland for the U.S. in 1938, but relatives who remained behind perished in the Holocaust.

President Duda expressed his admiration for Eisenberg’s decision to embrace his heritage. “It’s wonderful to see people from across the ocean recognize their roots, honor their ancestors, and seek to build a connection with Poland,” he remarked.

The film received critical acclaim, earning Eisenberg an Oscar nomination for writing, while his co-star, Kieran Culkin, won the award for Best Supporting Actor.

On his 74th birthday, legendary American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder made headlines by officially becoming a citizen of Ghana.

The ceremony, held at the Jubilee House in Ghana's capital, Accra, marked a significant moment as Wonder took the Oath of Allegiance and received his Certificate of Citizenship.

Wonder's decision to become a Ghanaian citizen follows his earlier announcement in a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where he expressed his desire to move to Ghana and embrace a more communal lifestyle, free from the political tensions of the United States.

Arriving at Kotoka International Airport on Monday morning, May 13, 2024, Stevie Wonder was greeted warmly by fans and industry figures.

Displaying his enduring love for music, he joined a local music ensemble, showcasing his drumming skills and engaging in friendly exchanges.

Kow Essuman, legal counsel to Ghana's President Akufo-Addo, celebrated Wonder's citizenship on social media, welcoming him to Ghana officially.

With 25 Grammy Awards and 74 nominations to his name, Stevie Wonder's musical legacy spans across R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz genres, making his Ghanaian citizenship a noteworthy milestone in his illustrious career.

Ghanaian media personality and musician Blakk Rasta has revealed that he declined the opportunity for American citizenship when it was offered by former U.S. President Barack Obama, even though it holds great allure for many.

Blakk Rasta recounted turning down the offer during Obama's visit to Ghana, saying, "When Obama came to Ghana he offered me the opportunity to become an American citizen, but I told him that if I accept, God will punish me."

He expressed his belief that his destiny is in Ghana, stating, "God brought me to Ghana, and I feel compelled to contribute to the betterment of this country. If I were to flee to America, I believe I would face divine retribution."

For Blakk Rasta, choosing to stay in Ghana underscores his dedication to tackling the country's issues.

He vocally criticizes politicians who put their own interests above public service, stating, "Our politicians are the root of many of our problems. Instead of serving the nation, they see it as an opportunity for personal enrichment."

His concern stretches to future generations, as he fears the impact of a weak economy and a society where leaving the country appears to be the only answer.

"I am deeply troubled when I think about the future my children will inherit," he confessed. "It pains me to see them grow up in a country plagued by economic hardship, with so many seeking refuge abroad."

By declining American citizenship, Blakk Rasta stays committed to his mission of promoting positive change in Ghana, encouraging others to join him in striving for a better future.

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