Legendary R&B star Ronnie DeVoe and his wife Shamari DeVoe have officially become Ghanaian citizens after taking part in a historic citizenship ceremony welcoming members of the African diaspora back to the motherland.
The couple joined 149 other diasporans who were granted citizenship during a symbolic ceremony held under the auspices of the Vice President of Ghana. The event celebrated the deep cultural and historical reconnection between Ghana and people of African descent around the world.
Ronnie DeVoe is widely known as a member of the legendary R&B group New Edition as well as the iconic trio Bell Biv DeVoe, both of which played major roles in shaping modern R&B music.
The ceremony served as a powerful affirmation of Ghana’s long-standing commitment to welcoming members of the global African family back to their ancestral roots. Over the past several years, Ghana has positioned itself as a leading destination for diaspora return initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural, economic, and historical ties with Africans living abroad.
For many of the new citizens, including the DeVoes, the moment represented far more than legal recognition. It symbolized a deeply emotional homecoming and a reconnection to heritage, identity, and history.
Officials at the ceremony described the occasion as another milestone in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to build lasting relationships with the African diaspora and create opportunities for collaboration across culture, business, and community development.
With their newly acquired citizenship, Ronnie and Shamari DeVoe now join a growing number of global figures who have embraced Ghana as a second home, further strengthening the bridge between Africa and its diaspora.
