Wiredu happy to be a U.S. citizen
-- GSD Safety and Security Services Section, November 2005

A DAS employee raised his right hand on Nov. 15 and took the Oath of Allegiance, making him a U.S. citizen 12 years after emigrating from Ghana, Africa.

Frank Wiredu celebrated his achievement during his recent naturalization ceremony in downtown Columbus surrounded by his wife, Grace, and his children, as well as DAS co-workers who had supported him through the lengthy naturalization process.

A DAS security officer for five years, Wiredu came to the United States to build a better future for his family. In 1993, he immigrated to New York City, staying at a friend’s house until Grace and his children could join him. Wanting a safer place to raise his family, the Wiredus moved to Arizona and later, after careful research, decided to relocate to Westerville, Ohio. He believed that Ohio offered excellent educational opportunities for his five children, three of whom are now in college.

In Africa, Wiredu spoke both English and Twi, a dialect of the African language of Akan. He lived in the urban area of Kumasi, which is the largest city in Ghana. Ghana, which has a constitutional democracy, has a president, king and queen who are all very popular, according to Wiredu.

Wiredu studied a 100-question study guide to prepare for his citizenship test, which he passed Oct. 28. To be eligible to be a citizen, he also had to fulfill the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements for naturalization. Requirements for citizenship include: a knowledge of U.S. history and government; ability to read, write and speak English; continuous residency or physical presence in the United States; good morale character; and belief in the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

Now that he is a U.S. citizen, Wiredu looks forward to having his extended family visit him from Africa and to taking part in his community by voting.

“When you are in a country like the United States, you have a lot of privileges,” Wiredu said. “I want to do whatever is good … and I am happy that my community has accepted me.”