London, United Kingdom – A Ghanaian national, Duane Owusu, has been sentenced to a minimum of 16 years and six months in prison for the murder of 27-year-old deaf woman Zahwa Mukhtar, whom he punched and abandoned on a roadside in east London.

Owusu, 36, of Althorne Way in Dagenham, was convicted at the Old Bailey after a trial that revealed a tragic sequence of events on the night of August 15–16, 2025. Mukhtar, who had never met Owusu or his group before, joined them during a night out.

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After drinking and taking drugs, tensions escalated inside an overcrowded Mercedes. When the group stopped near a garage in Chadwell Heath Lane, Owusu forcibly removed Mukhtar from the car, threw her phone away, kicked towards her as she lay on the ground, and delivered a forceful blow to her neck. She fell backwards, hitting her head, and suffered a fatal fractured skull and brain injury. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 06:21 BST.

Judge Richard Marks KC described Owusu’s actions as showing complete disregard for Mukhtar’s welfare. He noted that while Owusu may not have immediately realised the severity of her injuries, he “couldn’t have cared less.” The judge also highlighted Owusu’s previous criminal record, including an eight-year sentence in 2010 for acting as a getaway driver in a fatal robbery.

Mukhtar’s brother, Jamaluddin, described her as a “remarkable young woman” who overcame deafness caused by meningitis at age three and never let her disability hold her back. The family expressed deep grief, calling her loss an “immeasurable void.”

The case has drawn attention to issues of violence against women and the vulnerabilities faced by deaf individuals in social situations. Owusu was released on bail pending any appeals.

Thursday, April 16, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.

For many members of the African diaspora, traveling to Ghana is more than a visit — it is a return.

Across the world, descendants of Africans displaced during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade are reconnecting with their heritage and exploring the possibility of living on the continent. Ghana has emerged as one of the leading destinations for diaspora returnees seeking cultural reconnection, community, and long-term settlement.

While Ghanaian citizenship is not automatically granted to diaspora visitors, individuals who establish strong ties to the country may eventually become eligible through legal citizenship pathways.

Below is an overview of how the journey typically unfolds.

Step 1: Visit Ghana and Reconnect with Your Roots

For most diaspora returnees, the journey begins with a visit to Ghana.

Many people start by spending time in the country through:

• Repatriation & Heritage tours
• Relocation Exploratory Visits
• Cultural Immersion Programs
• Extended stays to experience everyday life

These experiences often serve as the foundation for deciding whether Ghana may become a long-term home.

Step 2: Establish Legal Residency in Ghana

Individuals who decide to remain in Ghana longer term must establish legal residency.

This is typically done by obtaining:

• A Residence Permit, or
• A Work Permit (Companies / NGOs), and
• Dependent Residency for spouse/children

Legal residency allows you to remain in Ghana for extended periods and begin building meaningful ties to the country.

For many diaspora returnees, this is the most important step toward long-term settlement.

Step 3: Demonstrate Strong Ties to Ghana

Citizenship eligibility is not based on ancestry alone. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine connection and commitment to Ghana.

Examples of strong ties to Ghana may include:

• Living in Ghana as a legal resident
• Learning or understanding a Ghanaian language
• Operating a business or working in Ghana
• Engaging in cultural or heritage initiatives
• Making investments in land or property

These factors help show that your connection to Ghana goes beyond tourism and reflects a meaningful return to the continent.

Step 4: Explore Citizenship Eligibility

After living in Ghana and establishing strong ties, individuals may explore eligibility for Ghanaian citizenship through naturalization or special diaspora pathways.

While timelines can vary, members of the historical African diaspora should generally expect to maintain legal residency in Ghana for at least 2 years before applying for citizenship consideration through special Citizenship Drives recognizing their reconnection to the country.

Does Ghana Allow Dual Citizenship?

Yes. Ghana allows dual citizenship.

This means individuals who obtain Ghanaian citizenship are generally able to retain their original nationality, provided that their home country also allows dual citizenship.

In Ghana, individuals who obtain another nationality or become Ghanaian citizens while holding another passport must register their second citizenship and obtain a Dual Citizenship Certificate issued by the Government of Ghana.

Confirming Dual Citizenship Policy with your Home Country

However, before pursuing dual citizenship, it is important to check the laws of your home country. Some countries do not permit dual citizenship, while others may allow it but require certain actions to maintain both nationalities.

For example, some countries may require you to:

• Declare or register your second citizenship
• Maintain a valid passport from your home country
• Notify government authorities when another citizenship is acquired
• Meet tax or residency obligations tied to citizenship status

If your home country does not allow dual citizenship, acquiring another nationality may result in automatic loss of your original citizenship.

Before proceeding, it is advisable to review the citizenship policies of both Ghana and your home country to ensure you understand any requirements for maintaining dual nationality.

Ghana and the Return of the African Diaspora

Over the past decade, Ghana has intentionally created opportunities to welcome the African diaspora back to the continent. Initiatives such as Year of Return and ongoing diaspora engagement programs have encouraged thousands of returnees to reconnect with their heritage and establish roots in Ghana.

For many, the journey begins with a visit — but evolves into a long-term commitment to living, investing, and building community in Ghana.

Start Your Relocation Journey to Ghana

If you are part of the African diaspora exploring the possibility of living in Ghana, understanding the steps toward residency and citizenship is an important first step.

At African Diaspora Resource Centre (ADRC), we assist diaspora returnees with:

• Relocation Planning
• Bank Account, Ghana Card, SIM Cards
• Residence & Work Permits
• Transitional Housing
• Cultural Orientation Training
• Business Establishment

Our goal is to help members of the diaspora transition smoothly into life in Ghana while building the strong ties that support long-term settlement.

Get Started

Ready to start your journey towards reintegration & citizenship in Ghana? Answer a few basic questions, and we will outline the next steps that you need to take to meet eligibility requirements for the next ceremony.