RITA Marley, widow of pop icon Bob Marley, will be made an honorary citizen of Ghana on August 3, that country’s Independence Day.

A statement from the Marley Foundation says Marley will also receive a Ghanaian passport from the Government.

Rita Marley

His Excellency, Dr Erieka Bennett, Head of Mission for the African Union’s Diaspora Africa Forum, says the recognition is worthy.

“We are thrilled to see the Ghana Government recognising the tremendous contribution Nana Rita has made to Ghana socially, as well as economically. This is a historical day for those of us from the diaspora.”

Ambassador Kwesi Quartey, Ghana’s deputy minister of foreign affairs and regional integration, agreed:

“Indeed Mrs Rita Marley continues to leverage her unique name recognition to showcase Ghana and talk up Ghana’s pan-Africanist role and tourism potential at every opportunity,” he said.

The Marley family have lived in Ghana for almost 20 years. Rita Marley has been involved in numerous charity projects, as well as operating a recording studio and helping to organise the Africa Unite concerts.