PETITION AGAINST AMENDING DUAL CITIZENSHIP PROVISIONS IN THE GHANAIAN CONSTITUTION

Dear Honorable Speaker and Members of Parliament,

We, the concerned citizens of Ghana, strongly object to the proposed bill aimed at amending or removing constitutional restrictions on dual citizens holding public offices as specified in Articles 94(2)(a) and 8(2) of the Ghanaian Constitution.

This bill poses a significant threat to Ghana's democracy and sovereignty. Allowing dual citizens to hold public office risks compromising national security, loyalty, and accountability. Individuals with allegiance to other countries could influence policy decisions, undermining Ghana's interests. People can also be planted to take up future political positions to influence policy in favor of their country of origin.

We disagree with the Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee's view that dual nationality is not a big deal and allegiance can be tested another way. Ghanaians do not agree that allegiance to multiple countries can be easily assessed or that it poses no risk to our nation's security and interests.

Other countries experiences serve as cautionary tales. For example, countries like the United States, Egypt, Kenya, Colombia and Australia have strict laws against dual citizens holding public office due to potential conflicts of interest.

A scenario illustrates the danger if the wanted former Finance Minister charged with corruption and corruption-related offences had dual citizenship, he could have escaped accountability by invoking it, undermining justice. Similarly, current and future public officials with dual nationality could escape accountability for past actions if this law is passed or even retroactively, allowing them to invoke their foreign citizenship. This risks setting a precedent for officials to prioritize foreign interests over Ghana's.

History as revealed in declassified CIA documents show that external powers have used some Ghanaian citizens in the past to further their own interests and the foreign involvement in the overthrow of our first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. We must be guided by this history, learn from these lessons and prioritize Ghana's sovereignty and not to compromise it by opening doors to potential foreign manipulation.

No policy can replace civic duty or  patriotism because the latter and loyalty are internal qualities that cannot be imposed by legislation. Having dual nationality and holding  public office in Ghana cannot guarantee loyalty. Loyalty is a personal conviction that regulation cannot manufacture. In reality, the voluntary renounciation of another citizenship other than Ghana's, to serve is a clear demonstration of loyalty and commitment to the state.

Ghanaians deserve better. We urge all members of parliament to reject this bill and uphold the constitution, ensuring the integrity of our democracy and the trust of the Ghanaian people.

Signed:

Sincerely,

Concerned Citizens of Ghana.