On Disqualifying Dual Citizens

ON DISQUALIFYING DUAL CITIZENS—THE CASE OF DR. SAMUEL AMOAKOH: A REJOINDER

When it comes to Ghanaian politics, I am an ardent follower because Ghana is my land of birth. However, my interest in Ghana politics is from an apolitical perspective. It does not matter to me what political party is in power. All that is of interest to me is who will work for the good of the people of Ghana and the nation of Ghana as a whole. This is the reason why I am writing about an NPP primary winner in Abuakwa North constituency. This constituency is quite a distance from Ellembele in the Western Region, but for the good of our nation some of us cannot keep quiet about the issue at stake.

According to Ghanaweb, there are calls for the disqualification of the NPP primary winner, Dr. Samuel Amoako, because of his dual Ghanaian and US citizenship. This is an issue that all Ghanaians in the Diaspora should not sit quietly over. The importance of getting Ghanaians in the Diaspora interested in economic, political and social affairs of Ghana cannot be over emphasized. Consequently, the passage of ROPA was a welcoming piece of legislature. However, the strict and convoluted interpretation of ROPA and the supreme law of the land, the Constitution, should not strip the nation of its important asset. The greatest asset of any nation is her people and Ghana has a wealth of qualified and resourceful individuals in the Diaspora. Therefore, for the good of our nation, we should not put hurdles in the way of Ghanaians in the Diaspora and thwart their efforts in full participation of economic, social and especially political activities of the nation. There are nations who have dual citizens participating fully in political activities of their countries of birth and Ghana should not be an exception. Enough of this Where were you when we were struggling in Ghana and you were enjoying in Aborokyir syndrome. Those of us in the Diaspora sincerely appreciate the efforts of our compatriots who stayed behind, but we want them to know that we have acquired a lot of experience that coupled with theirs could help build our nation. Variety is the spice of life and national development is dependent on contributions from various sources. According to Winston Spencer Churchill, It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required and I believe this is what Dr. Amoako and others are trying to do.

Until recently, citizenship and political loyalty to a state were still considered inseparable. However, there has been increasing tolerance towards dual citizenship in many nations and emerging democracies. In this global village that Ghana is part of we need leaders in the political arena who understand what is happening in other parts of the world for the good of our nation. Dual citizenship status should not debar an individual from seeking a political position. It is important to state here that some in the Diaspora took on dual citizenship because it was necessary for their survival in those so called foreign nations. The survival of such individuals has helped in the huge remittances and other assistance that Ghana has been enjoying.

It is important to have in Ghana’s Parliament lawmakers with various backgrounds and exposure to life in other nations. Therefore, Ghanaians in the Diaspora should not be counted out. I believe that a Diasporian like Dr. Amoako, with his experience and dedication, in the Ghanaian Parliament, will be beneficial to the whole country. I have nothing against the other political aspirants, but please do not advocate his ouster based on his so-called dual citizenship. As stated earlier, Ghana needs to think outside the box for a rapid development and Ghanaians in the Diaspora are excellent human capitals that the nation cannot afford to ignore. Please give Dr. Samuel Amoakoh a chance to compete for the Abuakwa North seat.

Frank Essien, Ph.D. University at Albany, New York USA fessien1@nycap.rr.com