Why should we continue to exclude people from leadership over dual citizenship? — Gyakye Quayson
Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, has called for greater inclusivity in the country’s governance system.
Currently, Ghana’s laws place restrictions on individuals with dual citizenship, preventing them from holding certain public offices unless they renounce their other nationality.
Mr. Quayson, who previously held Canadian citizenship, was expelled from Parliament in 2023 for failing to renounce his Canadian citizenship before filing his nomination forms for the 2020 elections.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament last Friday during the commemoration of Black History Month, the lawmaker stressed the need to remove such restrictions.
“Mr. Speaker, Black History Month allows us to reflect on the perseverance of our people throughout history — slavery, institutional racism, and the ongoing fight for equality. Africa, despite being rich in natural resources, remains paradoxically underdeveloped due to centuries of exploitation, colonization, and unfair global systems.
“I stand here not as a victim of political challenges, but as a testament to the resilience of every Ghanaian who believes in the power of democracy and justice. Mr. Speaker, the fight against dual citizenship restrictions on political ambition is not a personal battle but a national conversation.
He also urged Parliament to expedite action on the country’s Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill, which seeks to lift the limitations placed on Ghanaians with dual nationality, creating a more inclusive governance framework.
“Our constitution, while a beacon of democracy, must evolve to reflect the global realities of our people. How do we marginalize those who have sought better opportunities abroad yet remain deeply connected to Ghana? How do we exclude them from leadership when their hearts, skills, and resources are dedicated to building our nation?