Nduom Assures Full citizenship for diaspora Ghanaians

A government of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) will ‘effectuate equal and full citizenship rights’ for Ghanaians who hold dual citizenship.

“The PPP is committed to restoring equal and full citizenship rights to dual citizens to allow them to serve in public sector positions.”

This was stated in a release issued at the weekend and signed by the party’s presidential aspirant, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom.

According to the statement, there are many Ghanaians who hold dual citizenship and whose expertise, ideas, and values are good for the development of this nation.

But such citizens, it said, are barred in one way or the other from contributing their quota to growth of this country.

“We undermine democracy and our creative potential by freezing the views and expertise of some our own people, educated by taxpayers,” the statement noted. The PPP, the statement went on to add, wants to build an inclusive society and cannot exclude Ghanaian dual citizens.

“Excluding dual citizens from holding public office is not consistent with our obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 25), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 21) the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ rights (Article 13), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 21). These treaties obligate us to treat all our citizens equally and allow them to fully and equally participate in the political process,” it stated.

He was of the firm belief that all Presidents Ghana has had in this 4th Republic have held meetings with Ghanaians abroad whenever they have traveled making promises to integrate them into our society to give them the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of our country but unfortunately, the promises have not been fulfilled…“ The PPP aims to be different.” The usual reason, according to the PPP standard bearer, cited for excluding dual citizens is a concern about their “fidelity and loyalty,” relaying that as the Attorney-General has recently stated to the Supreme Court, “How can the loyalty of say a Colonel in the Ghanaian Army be guaranteed if there is a war between Ghana and Nigeria and the said Colonel holds both citizenship of Ghana and Nigeria? How can one be sure of the commitment and loyalty of Ghanaian High Commissioner to UK if there is a diplomatic row between Ghana and UK when the same Ghanaian HighCommissioner holds a British citizenship as well?”

“Our nation has not allowed concerns about loyalty and fidelity to stand in the way of fielding dual citizens like Prince Kevin Boateng and AbediAyew in the Black Stars, even though the game of soccer, with only 11 players, present better opportunities for “sabotage” than that of legislating, where an MP is one of 230 (now to become 275).”

Dr. Nduom argues that the exclusions are also irrational because dual citizens have served and can serve at the office of the Presidency, including at the office of Chief of Staff…“If dual citizens can serve at the office Chief of Staff of the President, which arguably is one of the most powerful positions in the country, then it is unfathomable and irrational to exclude them from serving in positions, such as a Chief Fire Officer or as Members of Parliament. Ghana has had mayors with citizenship from countries other than Ghana.”

The need for Dual citizens to be given their full rights to Dr. Nduom is among other things necessary because they support the national economy with their remittances which according to himis evidence of their loyalty and commitment to the country…“In the history of the 4th Republic and the country, there is not a single case, where a dual citizen has been found to disloyal, infidel or otherwise harm the interest of the country as a result of their dual citizenship. On the other hand, many dual citizens played an active role in creating the conditions that led to the establishment of the 4th Republic.”

Dual citizens, as citizens of this country, he argues have interests and have a fundamental right to fully engage in the political process, including the ability to serve in all elected and appointed public offices. In summary, the PPP leader is of the strong opinion that the country’s interest will be better served by allowing all our citizens to take part in the political process by offering their services for elected and unelected offices. “The PPP pledges to garner the necessary parliamentary support to amend the Constitution of Ghana by repealing Articles 94(2)(a) and 8(2) of the Constitution. It also proposes the repealing of Section 16(2) of the Citizenship Act, 2000 (Act 591). The PPP pledges to initiate the process of making this happen within 180 days of being in office.”