MPs stalling passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill
Despite what the country could achieve by passing the Citizenship Amendment Bill, it is being fraught with challenges over its passage.
This is as a result of opposition from some Members of Parliament (MPs). However, the Member of Parliament for Akim Swedru, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, feels the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill will ensure that the country can tap into the rich expertise of persons with dual nationality in the diaspora.
Parliament is expected to resume later this month and for Mr.Osei Nyarko “where we have gotten to now needs more lobbying among the MPs to support it. The MPs are the problem now, many of them are against it.” he told Business24/Investment Times via a phone interview.
Currently, Ghanaians who are citizens of other countries are barred from holding public office, such as Chief Justice, Ambassador or High Commissioner, Chief Fire Officer, Chief Director of a Ministry, Inspector-General of Police, Member of Parliament, etc.
But the Bill is seeking to have such restrictions removed.
If passed, dual citizens can be considered for various public offices, including Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, Ambassador or High Commissioner, Director of Immigration Service, Secretary to Cabinet and Member of Parliament, among others.
Mr. Osei Nyarko is seeking amendments of Articles 8(2) and 94(2)(a) of the 1992 constitution.
Further, he explained “I am motivated to seek for the amendments of Articles 8(2) and 94(2)(a) of the 1992 constitution because; the provisions therein are discriminatory; it promotes division and segregation among the Ghanaian citizens. It prevents genuine contributions from our brothers and sisters in the diaspora towards our nation building processes.”
The proposed Bill was initiated in May 2021 and is hoping the 275 lawmakers in Ghana’s legislature will back his bid, as he reckons “It will bring a collective benefits to the entire country when we allow those with dual nationality to bring onboard their exposures and experiences.”
In 2019, President Akufo-Addo mentioned that a Bill was being worked on by the Office of Diasporan Affairs for such purposes.
Speaking at the Diaspora Home Coming Celebrations in Accra, the President mentioned that there were “several countries where a truthful collaboration between their overseas nationals and their governments can bring about national development and prosperity.”
“I am happy about the decision taken by the Office of Diasporan Affairs headed by one of your own, Akwasi Awuah Ababio to work on the Diaspora Engagement Bill,” he said at the 2019 event.
