Bob Marley’s Widow Rita Marley Gets Ghana Citizenship

Rita Marley is now officially a citizen of the West African country of Ghana.

The wife of reggae legend Bob Marley was honored with the Ghanaian citizenship by President Nana Akufo-Addo last week Wednesday, according to Pulse. She was one of 126 Africans who were bestowed with the new status. Rita Marley has been aiding Ghana in different areas for over 10 years. She is involved in projects that enhance the educational system through her Rita Marley Foundation. This includes scholarships and refurbishing and constructing new school buildings.

According to the Observer, President Akufo-Addo wrote, “On Wednesday, 27th November, 2019, I conferred Ghanaian citizenship on 126 of our kith and kin from the African Diaspora, who have lived with us for many, many years.”

In writing, he went on to say that, “The ceremony is part of the series of activities commemorating the ‘Year of Return.’ I urged them to respect and abide by the laws of Ghana; live in accordance with the tenets of Ghana’s Constitution; and guard jealously our country’s image.”

Rita Marley, who is now 73-years-old, was also the recipient of the 2019 Reggae Icon Award from the Government of Jamaica.