Expedite passage of Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill - Assin North MP urges Parliament

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, has called on Parliament to expedite action on the passage of the Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill.

He said the current dual citizenship law restricted Ghanaians with dual nationality from holding political office and helping to build their nation.

Therefore, the passage of the Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill would remove the restrictions Ghanaians with dual nationality face to create inclusive governance framework, he said.

“The bill represents a critical step in acknowledging the contributions of Ghanaians in the diaspora and ensuring that they have equal opportunities to participate in our democratic processes,” he said.

Global realities  

In a statement read on the floor of Parliament last Friday, Mr Quayson urged the House to lend its full support to the bill when “we table it again”.

“Together, let us take this bold step toward inclusivity and progress. It is time we allowed skilled and committed Ghanaians living abroad with dual nationality to return home and support Ghana’s progress with their expertise.”

“Our Constitution, while a beacon of democracy, must evolve to reflect the global realities of our people. How do we marginalise those who have sought better opportunities abroad yet remain deeply connected to Ghana?

His speech was to commemorate Black History Month in which he called for unity, self-sufficiency, and inclusive governance.

He paid tribute to black leaders such as Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama, highlighting their contributions to justice and equality. 

Future of dignity and empowerment

Reading out his statement, the Assin North MP posed a question to his colleague MPs, “How do we exclude them from leadership when their hearts, skills and resources are dedicated to building our nation?” he asked.

He said it was in that vein that Black History Month was a call to action and a reminder for unity among Black people worldwide.

By learning from the past and building solidarity, he said people of African origin could “create a future of dignity and empowerment”.

Reaffirming Ghana’s role as the gateway to Africa, Mr Quayson lauded local initiatives embarked on to attract Africans in the diaspora home.

He particularly mentioned the “Year of Return and Beyond the Return” programmes, saying that such initiative had strengthened ties with the global African diaspora.

“These programmes have brought investments in real estate, hospitality and tourism, boosting economic growth and cultural connections,” he said.

Black Star Experience

The MP also spoke about the Black Star Experience, an NDC party initiative aimed at making Ghana a global hub of arts, culture and tourism.

“With year-round celebrations in literature, fashion, film and music, this initiative is expected to attract investment, create jobs and boost local businesses.”

“This initiative will enhance tourism revenues, provide skills transfer and cement Ghana’s position as a leader in creative and economic innovation,” he noted.

Advocating policies to integrate African Americans and other nationals who had settled in Ghana, he said it was time “we allowed our fellows to come home and contribute to governance and leadership”.

He noted that leadership was not confined to nationality by birth but defined by the ability to serve, innovate and uplift communities.

“I, therefore, call for a collective effort to create an inclusive and progressive Ghana.

“The journey ahead is long, but together, we can redefine what it means to be Ghanaian, ensure equal opportunities and build a future our children will be proud of,” he said.