The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Ellembelle in the Western region of Ghana, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, says the decision to disqualify Gyakye Quayson from Parliament, despite his renunciation of Canadian citizenship is inconsistent.
Buah’s criticism comes as President Akufo-Addo has nominated Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong, a dual citizen, alongside Justice Sophia Essah, for the Supreme Court. This nomination has raised questions about the government’s stance on dual citizenship and its implications for public office.
Despite holding both Canada and Ghana citizenship, Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong, is likely to become the first dual citizen to work as a supreme court judge due to the amendment of Article 289(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which allows dual citizens to be appointed to key government positions previously restricted to single citizens.
However, the Ellembelle legislature believes that decision goes against the principles of fairness and equality.
“How do we, really, honestly, why do we do this to ourselves, that a guy cannot serve parliament for four years because he is a Canadian but another guy can serve the supreme court for thirty years? Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah said
In the same vein, the Minority Leader in parliament ,Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has also expressed his disapproval of the nomination of a dual citizen for the position of Supreme Court judge.
He said dual citizens are ineligible to hold key government positions, particularly as judges on the Supreme Court.
“In my view, you do not qualify, and I believe that you would need to renounce your citizenship to be eligible for the role of a Supreme Court judge.” He said
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
