MC Yaa Yeboah, a media personality and entertainment pundit, has discussed her feelings regarding Stevie Wonder’s move to Ghana.
She questioned the relocation’s long-term effects and the fanfare surrounding it, even though she acknowledged the move as evidence of Ghana’s “Year of Return” initiative’s success.
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Celebrated American musician Stevie Wonder became a citizen of Ghana on his 74th birthday.
The event took place on May 11, 2024, at the Jubilee House.
He stated in a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey that he moved to avoid the political turmoil in the United States and because he wanted to live in a community.
The actions of Stevie Wonder are in line with Ghana’s “Year of Return” campaign, which encourages Africans living abroad to make new connections with their home continent. By forging connections with Africa, he joins other notable African-Americans in honouring their heritage.
Speaking on United Showbiz on UTV on May 18, 2024, Mc Yeboah applauded the project for presenting Ghana as a friendly travel destination, attracting interest from around the world, and motivating other diasporans to visit the nation.
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She did, however, question why there were festivities surrounding his move, given that Stevie Wonder never made any announcements regarding projects or future plans. Ghana would thus gain nothing from the relocation if such proactive contributions are made.
It has made Ghana more visible, and other expatriates will now take notice of the nation.
But I wonder, what the heck? She stated on MzGee’s show that “he has not stated he is coming to do any project or build anything to develop the country.”
“Being from a nation where the system functions, he is set for life and can live off royalties because of the work he has done over the years.
He will simply return to his mansion, sleep, and eat after obtaining citizenship. He will not take a position on any national issues or anything related to the creative arts industry,” she continued.
She made an analogy between the situation and Ghanaians who are abroad and make economic contributions through employment and taxes, suggesting that diasporans should have comparable expectations when they relocate to Ghana.
Therefore, even though his arrival in Ghana is welcome, the nation will not benefit from it until we take advantage of the opportunities that come with it.
“Our citizens who travel abroad spend thousands of dollars, work, and pay taxes, which benefits the countries where they live,” the speaker stated.
