Vallejo commission votes to suspend talks with proposed Ghana sister-city after citizenship-policy concerns

The Vallejo Sister City Commission voted May 16 to suspend further exploratory work toward forming a sister-city relationship with a city in Ghana after a commissioner raised concerns about Ghana’s citizenship documentation requirements and fees.

Commissioner Andreas presented a report recommending suspension, saying Ghana’s Ministry of the Interior has required DNA documentation for African American applicants seeking Ghanaian citizenship and that associated costs — which Andreas described as about $2,400 — make the process inaccessible for many. “It’s discriminatory,” Andreas said, arguing the commission should halt the exploratory process until Ghana revises the policy.

Chair Shanks Stewart moved to accept the recommendation and a second was offered; by voice vote the commission approved the motion. The commission resolved to notify the Ghanaian authorities and to ask Sister Cities International to weigh in, and asked the mayor’s office to relay the commission’s decision to the Ghanaian contacts. Secretary Eric said he would notify the Ghanaian representatives and coordinate a memorandum on the commission’s position.

Commissioners framed the vote as a pause in formal engagement rather than a permanent severing of ties. Several members asked for more documentation and clarity on the Ghanaian policy and its implementation; Andreas said the suspension would remain until the commission was satisfied with policy changes or clarifications.

The commission did not record a roll-call tally; the motion passed by voice vote with the chair announcing the ayes had it. The commission instructed staff to draft a memorandum to Sister Cities International and to inform the Ghanaian contacts; the secretary agreed to carry out that notification.

The commission will revisit related international engagement and communications as needed; the next regular meeting is scheduled for July 20, 2026.