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Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, has urged Parliament to speed up the process of amending Ghana’s constitution to allow dual citizens to hold certain public offices.
He argued that the current restrictions unfairly marginalise Ghanaians abroad who are committed to the country’s development. "How we exclude them from leadership yet their heart, skills and resources are dedicated to building our nation,"he said.
Speaking in Parliament as part of the Black History Month, Mr Quayson, who faced legal action for contesting as an MP without allegedly renouncing his dual citizen status, said, “Our history 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, colonisation, and unfair global systems.”
He insisted that Ghana’s laws must evolve to align with the realities of its people, particularly those in the diaspora. “Our constitution, a beacon of democracy, it 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?” he questioned.
Mr Quayson, who was previously prosecuted over his dual citizenship status, said the issue goes beyond individual experiences and should be treated as a national concern. “The fight against dual citizenship restrictions and political ambition is not a personal battle but a national conversation,” he said.
He also suggested that if dual citizens are granted the right to hold public office, taxation policies should be examined to ensure fairness.
“If you are a dual citizen and you are entitled to be a Member of Parliament, Chief Justice, or any other high office, and you earn your income from a country like the UK, the Ghanaian tax regime should be able to catch up with you as well,” he said.
Mr Quayson urged Parliament to revisit the dual citizenship amendment bill, which had reached the second reading stage in the last Parliament but was not passed before the House dissolved, "The time is due for a change in the law," he said.

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