The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs through the Monument and Relics Commission (MRC) have conferred Sierra Leonean Citizenship to 52 diaspora African that traced their roots to Sierra Leone through African Ancestry. The ceremony was held at Family Kingdom Resort in Freetown.
It could be recalled that the Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with African Ancestry for tracing roots and granting citizenship to African Americans that traced their roots to Sierra Leone. Since then, the Ministry through the MRC has been collaborating in the facilitation and coordination of the authenticity, integration, orientation and affiliation of diaspora Africans that traced their roots to Sierra Leone.
In her remarks, the Administrative Manager of MRC, Ann-Marie Kamara congratulated the new Sierra Leoneans for their resolve and determination in going through the process of acquiring Sierra Leonean citizenship having traced their roots to the country. She told them that the country is peaceful and stable and that they should emulate their compatriots that now have families and business investments in Sierra Leone.
Presenting Sierra Leonean Passport to the 52 Diaspora Africans, the Chief Immigration Officer, Alusine Kanneh maintained that having discussed the rules, regulations and laws of Sierra Leone with the African Americans and also meeting the citizenship requirements, he was pleased to present their passports on behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone. He reminded the new citizens that there are a lot of areas they can give back and was impressed by the laudable initiative and undertakings of those who gained citizenship previously are already into across the country. He encouraged them to serve as a voice for Sierra Leone in America, engage communities on what the country was about and galvanise their interest.
Established African Americans who traced their roots to Sierra Leone and relocated to the country explained their experiences in doing business and contributing to the development of Sierra Leone. They encouraged their compatriots to invest in Sierra Leone and explore the natural ambiance of Sierra Leone.
