In a significant ceremony held at the Family Kingdom Resort in Freetown, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Monument and Relics Commission (MRC), officially conferred Sierra Leonean citizenship upon 52 diaspora Africans who traced their ancestral roots to the country through African Ancestry.

This pivotal moment follows the Ministry’s prior signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with African Ancestry, aiming to facilitate the tracing of roots and subsequent granting of citizenship to African Americans with ancestral ties to Sierra Leone. Subsequently, the Ministry, working hand-in-hand with the MRC, has been actively engaged in verifying, integrating, orientating, and affiliating diaspora Africans seeking recognition of their Sierra Leonean heritage.

Addressing the newly inducted Sierra Leoneans, Ann-Marie Kamara, the Administrative Manager of MRC, commended their commitment and determination throughout the citizenship acquisition process. She highlighted the nation’s tranquility and stability, urging them to follow in the footsteps of compatriots who have since established families and thriving businesses within Sierra Leone.

The Chief Immigration Officer, Alusine Kanneh, handed over Sierra Leonean passports to the 52 Diaspora Africans, expressing satisfaction in their compliance with the country’s regulations and citizenship requisites.

Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leonean government and its people, Kanneh emphasized the numerous avenues where the new citizens could contribute, lauding the ongoing initiatives already undertaken by their predecessors. He encouraged them to advocate for Sierra Leone in the United States, engaging communities and fostering interest in the country.

Esteemed African Americans, who had previously traced their roots back to Sierra Leone and subsequently relocated, shared their experiences of doing business and actively contributing to the nation’s development. Encouraging their compatriots, they extolled the opportunities for investment in Sierra Leone and the inherent natural beauty waiting to be explored.