September 27, 2021
Albert Baron Ansu
African Americans whose DNAs connects to Sierra Leone will now have formal processes to follow to obtain Sierra Leonean Passports and become citizens by extension. This is within the ambit of the Presidency to confer such citizenship, according to a release issued by the Relics Commission.
As a first step it has been stated that “A Letter of Request should be addressed to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Monuments and Relics Commission indicating intent on the subject matter. The letter should include your full name as indicated on your passport, current street address, phone number and e-mail address.
Step Two requires the applicant to provide proof of descent to Sierra Leone, either Maternal or Paternal lineage.
It is noted that that this should be done from either African Ancestry Inc. – africanancestry.com – or any other DNA company that explicitly state maternal or paternal lineage and a copy of the result kit report and certificate of ancestry must be submitted.
The guideline provides an optional condition where applicable for live birth certificate and proof of change of name on live birth certificate; and the Bio data page of present citizenship passport.
It is also required that each applicant must submit a notarized reference letter from a person of high reputation from their State of Residence. Such persons as references must be: Personal Lawyers, Primary Care Physician, Banker, Employer or Educational Institution.
The government of Sierra Leone will also do Police background check to ascertain applicants record. From the Federal Police record and also cross check documents of ancestry.
“It is mandatory for all applicants to be in Sierra Leone at least 5 days before the slated date for citizenship conferment for finger printing, immigration interviews and other administrative processes. Applicants are also mandated to attend a day’s Heritage/Civic Education and Business/Investment Workshop. All applicants must pay One Million Leone ($ 100) as fees for the Heritage/Civic Education and Business/Investment Workshop. Tour Operators are reminded to include this in their cost.,” the notice adds,
With the aforementioned conditions met a “request will be made by the Monument and Relics Commission to the Immigration department for onward passport processing via the Ministry of Tourism and Culture…”
President Bio will ultimately confer the citizenship in a ceremony when the oath of allegiance will be taken processed African American applicants
It can be recalled that in April this year President Bio granted citizenship to a group of African Americans.