Denying naturally born Ghanaians representation in political processes a disgrace - NPP-USA Chair

The Chairperson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) USA Chapter, Obaa Yaa Amponsah Frimpong, has bemoaned the delays in the implementation of the Representation of the Peoples Amendment Act (ROPAA), passed in 2006.

The act, which she observed was championed through advocacy efforts for the rights of Ghanaians living abroad under the Dual Nationality Act, has left many disappointed 20 years after its passage due to the fact that it has not been implemented.

Addressing members of the NPP-USA at the 30th Anniversary Commemoration in Alexandria, Virginia, she underscored the need for the implementation of the bill to help Ghanaians in the diaspora contribute to national development.

According to her, it is embarrassing that leaders are calling on blacks around the world to return home and enticing them with citizenship while they are also restricting naturally born Ghanaians from the political process.

“Nearly 20 years have elapsed, and it is untenable to continue inviting black individuals worldwide to return to Ghana to be citizens while, ironically, denying naturally born Ghanaians representation and participation in our political processes. This must be a disgrace to the conscience of our nation, and it must stop! There is no greater investment in our country than the annual remittances of over $5 billion from Ghanaians living abroad into Ghana’s economy. We can and should strive to foster inclusivity in Ghana," she said.

Obaa Yaa Amponsah Frimpong added, “It is regrettable that despite the passage of the ROPA Act in February 2006 by our former President, John Agyekum Kufuor, its implementation has been stalled. This makes it a direct repudiation of the legacy of President Kufuor, whose forward-thinking and far-reaching vision of what the passage of ROPAA could unravel for Ghana’s development acceleration courageously endorsed the ROPAA Act."

"We are not oblivious to the fact that our party and our parliamentary caucus have not supported us in this pursuit for reasons predominantly based on fear of the unknown. That is not NPP and that is not Patriotic. Our forebears dared to enter uncharted, dreaded territories, and what we see today is a testament to their faith and courage to dream.”

She commended the Supreme Court, under the leadership of the current Chief Justice, for a decision it took to advance the removal of the exclusionary rules regarding dual citizenship under the Citizenship Act 2000 (Act 581).

“Just a few weeks ago, the Supreme Court of Ghana, under the leadership of her Ladyship the Chief Justice, made significant progress by their decision to advance the removal of the exclusionary rules regarding dual citizenship under the Citizenship Act 2000 (Act 581). We take this opportunity to express our gratitude to her Ladyship and the Supreme Court justices who presided over the case and demonstrated that inclusion advances national progress rather than exclusion,” she said.