The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hackman Owusu Agyeman, has assured Ghanaians in the Diaspora that the Government would give serious consideration to the issue of dual citizenship in view of their significant contribution to national development.
He said remittances of Ghanaians outside the country are in excess of $350 million annually and the government was therefore committed to giving effect to dual citizenship to assist in the acceleration of the country's economic development.
Mr. Owusu Agyeman gave the assurance at a send-off reception organised by the staff of Ghana High Commission in London for the outgoing High Commissioner, Mr. J.E.K. Aggrey-Orleans at the weekend. This was contained in a release issued by the Ghana High Commission in London today.
The Minister hinted that some changes would be made in the Ministry to make it more relevant to the mission of the Government, adding that there must be a practical demonstration of the Government's commitment to economic diplomacy.
He said in order to facilitate investment and tourism, consular officers in the country's diplomatic Missions would be expected to issue visas within six days otherwise they would have questions to answer. Mr. Owusu Agyeman, who was en route to Libya to attend an OAU Ministerial meeting, urged all staff at Ghanaian Missions to be courteous to the various publics' and show dedication and commitment to their work.
The Minister assured the staff of the High Commission that he would demystify the foreign Ministry and ensure transparency and meritocracy in the posting of officers. He further assured them that he would not tolerate any witch-hunting, adding, "as civil servants you are supposed to be dedicated to the Government of the day".
The Minister paid warm tribute to the out-going High Commissioner for his diplomatic skills, experience and contribution to the development of Ghana and the promotion of closer ties between the United Kingdom and Ghana. The out-going High Commissioner, Mr. J.E.K. Aggrey-Orleans, thanked the staff for their support during his three-year tour and appealed to them to extend same support to the in-coming High commissioner.
Mr. Aggrey-Orleans reminded officers that London is Ghana's flagship Mission and they should therefore show professionalism and commitment in their work. At another send-off party, organised for him by the Ghanaians community, many associations of the Ghanaian community paid tribute to the exemplary role the High Commissioner played in dealing with all sections of the community, irrespective of their political ethnic, and religious affiliations. They praised him for being a good leader and yet a "good mixer" among the Ghanaians.
Mr. Aggrey-Orleans appealed to his compatriots to spare a thought for their country, especially at this crucial period when the Government needs their active support and involvement in turning the economy around. He reminded them that they had no other country they could call their own except Ghana, their motherland. He called on the Ghanaian community for their contribution to national reconstruction in order to make Ghana a better place to live in peace, stability and economic prosperity
