'How can we allow a dual citizen to hold a sensitive position as EC chair?' — Dr Jonathan Otchere quizzes

Executive Director of the African Institute of Strategic Studies, Dr Jonathan Asante Otchere, has questioned the decision to allow dual citizens to occupy sensitive public positions, including the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

He argued that the EC Chairperson plays a critical role in maintaining Ghana’s political stability and should therefore be required to demonstrate undivided allegiance to the country.

Dr Otchere made the comments in an interview on Accra-based Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on Monday, August 10, following the government’s acceptance of recommendations by the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) on dual citizenship.

“You want to tell me that the electoral commissioner could be a dual citizen, the person who is going to be a stabilizer and destabilizer, possibly? You are saying that someone whose decision can plunge this country into chaos can be a dual citizen. What? I disagree with you,” he said.

The government has accepted a recommendation to allow Ghanaians with dual citizenship to hold several public offices, including the position of EC Chairperson, provided they meet other constitutional requirements.

The proposed reform will also remove the current requirement for Ghanaian citizens by birth to renounce their foreign citizenship before contesting parliamentary elections.

However, dual citizens will remain barred from occupying the offices of President and Vice President.

Dr Otchere said individuals seeking sensitive positions should be willing to make what he described as a “little sacrifice” by maintaining sole allegiance to Ghana.

“I’m saying that the little sacrifice of remaining fully your allegiance to this country — that is a little sacrifice you should be able to do if you really want that particular sensitive position,” he said.