A growing number of Ghanaian men in the diaspora are becoming reluctant to sponsor their wives to join them abroad—or even marry at all—due to fears that ordinary marital disputes can escalate into police intervention, immediate eviction from the home, restraining orders, loss of immigration status, or deportation. The article by Stephen Armah Quaye highlights real-life cases from the diaspora where wives called the police during heated arguments, leading to husbands being removed from their own homes (sometimes becoming homeless or deported), and warns that the shift from traditional African family mediation to quick resort to law enforcement is tearing families apart, traumatising children, and reshaping perceptions of marriage as a legal and financial risk rather than a source of stability.

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My wife called police on me: Inside the hidden crisis destroying diaspora marriages

Kwame never thought his marriage would end with flashing blue lights.

Not in a courtroom. Not before a judge. Not even after a formal separation.

It ended in his living room when his wife picked up her phone, dialled the police, and told officers she felt unsafe.

Within minutes, he was ordered to leave the house he paid for. That night, Kwame slept on the streets of London. By morning, his marriage was effectively over.

For years, a troubling question has echoed across Ghanaian communities at home and abroad: Why are many Ghanaian men living overseas no longer eager to bring their wives to join them abroad after marriage?

Closely tied to this is another uncomfortable inquiry, “Why are many Ghanaian women living in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany no longer interested in marrying Ghanaian men and sponsoring them overseas?”

These questions point to a deeper crisis reshaping marriage among Ghanaians in the diaspora.

Marriage and family have always been the backbone of African society. Yet in a remarkably short time, the institution has undergone a dramatic transformation. Among Ghanaians living abroad and increasingly back home, marriage is now frequently linked with separation, police intervention, and divorce.

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In countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Germany, Belgium, and others, divorce statistics continue to rise steadily among African immigrant communities. Many people quietly accept this as “normal,” but behind closed doors, families are unravelling at alarming rates.

More troubling is a growing pattern shared by many husbands during ordinary marital disputes; some wives now call the police, triggering immediate removals from the home, restraining orders, or immigration consequences, often without thorough investigation in the early stages.

Two cases from London, England, illustrate how devastating this trend has become.

CASE ONE: HE SPONSORED HIS FAMILY—BUT NOT HIMSELF

A Ghanaian man living in London without legal status worked tirelessly to regularise his family’s situation. Through savings, loans, and years of labour, he successfully secured legal residency for his wife and children.

Ironically, he remained undocumented.

When he began to suspect that his wife was having an affair with a close acquaintance, he confronted her. The argument escalated. Instead of seeking family mediation or counselling, the wife called the police.

Officers arrived and ordered the man to leave the house immediately. With no legal status, no access to shelters, and no family nearby, he slept outside that night.

“I suffered to bring my family together,” the man later lamented in a viral video. “Today, I am homeless in a country I struggled to survive in.”

CASE TWO: TWO CALLS, TWO DEPORTATIONS

In another incident, a Nigerian businessman sponsored his wife and two children to live with him in London. After discovering that his wife was allegedly involved with a male co-worker, an argument erupted.

The wife called the police.

The husband was arrested and subsequently deported to Nigeria.

Angered by what he viewed as betrayal, the man reported to authorities that his wife’s immigration documents were fraudulent.

The police investigated and deported the woman as well.

Two parents removed from the country.

Two children left behind.

One family destroyed.

All because of phone calls made in anger.

THE FEAR DRIVING MEN AWAY FROM MARRIAGE

Stories like these circulate widely on social media, WhatsApp groups, and community platforms. They have created deep fear among many African men living abroad.
Some now avoid marriage altogether.

Others marry but refuse to sponsor their spouses.
Many prefer long-distance relationships rather than risk losing everything.
Marriage, once seen as a blessing, is increasingly viewed as a legal trap.

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A SHIFT FROM MEDIATION TO POLICING

Traditionally, African marriages relied on conflict resolution through family elders, clan heads, chiefs, pastors, imams, and respected community leaders. Disputes were treated as family matters requiring dialogue and healing.
Today, those structures are weakening.
Police have replaced elders.
Courts have replaced family meetings.
Lawyers have replaced counsellors.

While law enforcement is essential in cases of real abuse and danger, using the police as a first response to normal marital conflict has devastating consequences.
A police record can destroy employment.

Immigration status can be jeopardised.
Children can be traumatised.
And reconciliation becomes nearly impossible.

A CALL FOR BALANCE

This is not an argument against women seeking protection.
Any woman facing physical violence, sexual abuse, or serious threats must seek immediate help from authorities.
But not every argument is abuse.
Not every disagreement is a crime.
Couples must relearn the art of dialogue, patience, counselling, and mediation.

TIME FOR A NATIONAL CONVERSATION

Chiefs, queen mothers, clergy, legal experts, and community leaders must come together to re-examine how marriages are protected in the diaspora.
If families collapse, societies collapse.
If marriage fails, the future suffers.
As Ghanaian communities wrestle with these painful realities, one truth stands clear.
One phone call made in anger can change a life forever.

In the next edition, I will examine divorce rates in Canada, major causes of marital breakdown, and possible pathways toward restoration.

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Article by Stephen Armah Quaye | Toronto, Canada

In a move that has reignited discussions on identity, restitution, and national sovereignty, the Ghanaian government has temporarily halted new citizenship applications for historical diasporans—descendants of Africans forcibly displaced during the transatlantic slave trade.

Announced on February 1, 2026, the suspension affects applications submitted after January 31, 2026, but spares those already in process or approved. While officials explain the pause as a necessary administrative reset to enhance transparency and efficiency, critics see it as a symptom of deeper tensions between Ghana’s emotive calls for diaspora “return” and the practicalities of modern immigration law.

This explainer delves into the background, controversies, and implications, drawing on an earlier release by the Ghana government and reporting from the Africa Reporters Network.

The Roots of the Program: From “Year of Return” to “Beyond the Return”

Ghana’s outreach to the African diaspora began in earnest with the 2019 “Year of Return” initiative, marking 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in what is now the United States. This campaign invited people of African descent to visit, reconnect with their heritage, and consider Ghana as a spiritual and literal home. Building on its success, the “Beyond the Return” program was launched to sustain momentum, encouraging not just tourism but long-term investment, residency, and citizenship.

Under the Citizenship Act 2000 (Act 591) and its amendments, historical diasporans—defined as those whose ancestors were displaced centuries ago, distinct from recent African immigrants—could apply for the “Right of Abode” (permanent residency) or full citizenship. The program has drawn thousands of applicants, including high-profile figures, and spurred investments in sectors like real estate, tourism, agriculture, and technology. According to the government’s release, it has fostered cultural reconnection events and economic contributions, positioning Ghana as a leader in pan-African re-engagement.

A pivotal moment came in 2024 under the Akufo-Addo administration, when approximately 575 Black Americans were granted citizenship in a ceremonial event symbolizing restorative justice for the legacies of slavery. However, as detailed by the Africa Reporters Network, this gesture exposed underlying flaws: the process lacked robust structure, clear timelines, and the capacity to handle surging demand. What was hailed as a beacon of inclusion revealed an administratively underdeveloped system, setting the stage for future friction.

The Suspension: A “Necessary Pause” or Policy Reversal?

With a new administration in power, the government issued a joint statement from the Ministry of the Interior and the Diaspora Affairs secretariat at the Office of the President, suspending new applications to allow for a comprehensive review. Officials emphasized that the halt is temporary and administrative, aimed at “strengthening systems, reviewing processing timelines, updating eligibility guidelines where needed, and ensuring the program continues to serve both diaspora applicants and the national interest in a sustainable manner.” A ministry spokesperson reiterated Ghana’s commitment to welcoming people of African descent, clarifying that the pause addresses bottlenecks such as verification challenges, documentation authenticity, and concerns over resource allocation and security.

The review is projected to span several months, after which revised guidelines will be published, and applicants in the pipeline will receive individual updates. Importantly, the suspension does not revoke existing approvals or disrupt ongoing processes, underscoring the government’s intent to refine rather than abandon the initiative.

Ghana Suspends Citizenship Applications for Historical Diasporans Amid Review of “Beyond the Return” Program

This decision followed weeks of escalating protests, boycott calls, and emergency meetings, as reported by the Africa Reporters Network. It has deepened an existing rift, highlighting the clash between Ghana’s symbolic invitations and the legal imperatives of citizenship in a sovereign state.

Flashpoints: DNA Tests, Fees, and the Backlash

The suspension amplified controversies surrounding proposed changes to the application process, particularly the introduction of mandatory DNA evidence and a parliamentary-approved fee of 25,000 Ghana cedis (approximately $1,600 USD at current rates). According to the Africa Reporters Network, these requirements became central flashpoints, transforming what was envisioned as a restorative pathway into what critics called a bureaucratized immigration hurdle.

Diaspora leaders argued that DNA tests overlook the historical erasure of records during slavery, which severed family lineages and identities. They contended that such mandates undermine the program’s spirit of recognition and healing. Similarly, the fee—endorsed by Parliament and thus embedded in national law—was decried as commodifying citizenship, shifting it from an act of justice to a transactional process.

In response, a coalition of Black and African Historic Diaspora organizations advocated for a temporary boycott of the citizenship process, framing it as a push for dialogue, consultation, and clarity rather than outright rejection of Ghana. When the suspension was announced late at night on February 1, many in the diaspora hailed it as a tactical victory, evidence that their advocacy had resonated, though the core disputes linger unresolved.

Diverse Perspectives: Caution, Defense, and Realism

Reactions within the diaspora are not monolithic. Some voices, as noted by the Africa Reporters Network, urge caution against unchecked expansion of citizenship, citing Ghana’s domestic challenges like housing shortages, land pressures, and job scarcity. They warn that granting citizenship amid these strains could exacerbate inequalities for native Ghanaians.

Prominent among defenders of the reforms is Dawn Dickson, a naturalized Ghanaian citizen and businesswoman. In insights shared via the Africa Reporters Network, Dickson supports the structured approach, viewing citizenship as a protected legal status rather than an emotional entitlement. She advocates for flexibility, such as waiving certain requirements for those demonstrating strong financial ties to Ghana, but insists that cultural and historical connections, while vital, should not supersede verifiable DNA ancestry. Dickson also challenges the notion that citizenship guarantees business success in Ghana’s intricate, relationship- and tribe-driven economy. Instead, she advises aspiring returnees to prioritize residency, investment, and building local networks, allowing naturalization to follow organically.

At the same time, the Africa Reporters Network points out that Ghana’s own rhetoric—years of “homecoming” campaigns—has fueled unrealistic expectations, blurring the lines between symbolic embrace and legal inclusion, and allowing aspirations to outpace institutional readiness.

Broader Implications: Belonging, Sovereignty, and the Future of Return

This episode exposes a fundamental debate: Should citizenship for historical diasporans be a form of restorative justice, redressing centuries of displacement, or must it adhere to standard legal frameworks prioritizing national interests? Ghana asserts its sovereignty in managing borders and resources, while diaspora groups demand recognition of shared history and equity.

Globally, the suspension could influence similar programs in other African nations, like Senegal or Benin, which also court diaspora investment. For Ghana, it risks dampening the momentum of “Beyond the Return,” which has boosted tourism and remittances but now faces scrutiny over sustainability. Diaspora advocacy groups have called for greater transparency during the review, with some expressing disappointment that the pause might erode trust.

As revised guidelines are awaited, the promise of “return” hangs in balance—caught between heartfelt emotion and the rigors of law. Both sides agree that the conversation on belonging is far from over, with the potential for a more inclusive framework emerging from this contested pause.

For now, historical diasporans eyeing Ghana as home are advised to monitor official channels for updates, while the nation grapples with defining who truly “returns” and on what terms.

Voting is underway today (January 31, 2026) in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary to elect the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general elections. Over 200,000 delegates are participating across 276 constituencies and 333 polling stations nationwide.

Five candidates are contesting the race:

1. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia – Former Vice President of Ghana (widely seen as the establishment/technocratic candidate with a focus on digital economy, economic ideas, and continuity after leading the NPP in 2024).
2. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong – Businessman and former MP for Assin Central (often positioned as the “street-smart,” anti-establishment voice touting practical solutions, creativity, and economic transformation; many polls and delegate sentiment have him as a strong frontrunner).
3. Dr. Bryan Acheampong – MP for Abetifi and former Minister of Food and Agriculture (entrepreneur-politician with eight years as MP, focusing on agriculture and business-oriented policies).
4. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum – Former Minister of Education and MP for Bosomtwe (known for education reforms and technocratic background).
5. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong (also referred to as Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong) – Former General Secretary of the NPP (experienced party insider with administrative and organizational strengths).

The primary is considered highly competitive, with a two-horse race dynamic often highlighted between Bawumia (data-driven, polished) and Agyapong (raw, experiential, street-fighter style). All candidates have publicly committed to accepting the results, and police have warned against any violence or intimidation at polling centers.

The winner will lead the NPP into the 2028 presidential election after the party’s loss in 2024.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong are two leading candidates in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary ongoing today, January 31, 2026.

While both seem to champion economic transformation and party unity, their approaches differ significantly. Bawumia’s policies are technocratic, data-driven, while Agyapong’s are driven by practical, business-oriented perspectives.

Below is a comparison across key policy areas based on their campaign messages, visions, and proposed initiatives.

Economic Policy and Management

• Bawumia: As an economist and a former Vice President, Bawumia focuses on macroeconomic stability, fiscal discipline, and monetary policy to drive growth. He opposes “anti-poor” measures like the E-Levy and positions himself as a corrector of past government errors. His vision includes leveraging his experience in macro-economic management to address governance challenges and improve livelihoods through sound, evidence-based policies.
• Agyapong: A businessman, Agyapong prioritizes practical economic solutions, criticizing theoretical approaches (“PhDs don’t feed people”). He advocates for industrialization and job creation as core pillars, aiming to build a resilient economy through business-friendly reforms that generate employment and reduce reliance on imports.

Digitalization vs. Industrialization

• Bawumia: Digital transformation is central to Bawumia’s agenda. He highlights achievements like the Ghana Card integration, mobile money interoperability, digitized public services (e.g., ports and passports), and online systems to enhance efficiency, reduce corruption, and promote transparency. He sees digitization as the foundation for modernizing Ghana’s economy and public sector.
• Agyapong: While not opposing technology, Agyapong’s focus is on tangible industrialization to create jobs and drive manufacturing. He views this as essential for economic self-sufficiency, contrasting with what he sees as overly theoretical digital initiatives, emphasizing real-world impact on employment and production.

Party Unity and Internal Democracy

• Bawumia: Bawumia promotes national unity by bridging north-south divides (increasing NPP support in northern regions), fostering Christian-Muslim relations, and appealing across age groups. He stresses maturity, humility, and policy-focused leadership to reduce political tensions and unite the party.
• Agyapong: Unity and internal democracy are key to Agyapong’s leadership vision. He pledges to bring the NPP together if elected, anchoring his approach on inclusive party structures and grassroots engagement to strengthen democracy within the NPP and prepare for the 2028 elections.

Anti-Corruption and Governance

• Bawumia: Leveraging his “untarnished integrity” from eight years in office, Bawumia proposes using technology (e.g., digitization) to fight corruption, enhance transparency, and build human capital. He aims to redefine governance through efficiency and accountability.
• Agyapong: While specific anti-corruption policies are less detailed in campaigns, Agyapong’s business background implies a no-nonsense approach to governance, focusing on practical reforms to eliminate waste and promote efficiency in public service.

Overall Vision for Ghana

• Bawumia: Bawumia’s vision is for a digitized, stable Ghana with enhanced education, grassroots politics, and national development. He positions himself as the experienced leader for continuity and correction, redefining roles like the vice presidency through innovation.
• Agyapong: Agyapong envisions a united, industrialized Ghana with massive job creation. His “street-smart” style promises fresh energy, creativity, and change, defending the need for new leadership to revitalize the NPP and address economic challenges directly.

Both candidates commit to accepting results and maintaining party unity post-primary, but the election highlights a choice between Bawumia’s polished, tech-focused continuity and Agyapong’s gritty, job-oriented transformation.