The Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr Rasheed Draman, has called for the repeal of the outdated law barring dual citizens from holding certain public positions.

“Over the years, this law has denied our country of a lot of talent out there that could have contributed to the development of our country,” Dr Draman stated on Joy News’ PM Express.

He praised the newfound unity among parliamentarians on this issue.

Read more: Parliamentary Committee pushes for amendment to allow dual citizens to hold specific public offices

“We can learn from the bipartisan cooperation and unity with this bill,” he noted, highlighting that both parties have suffered under this law, fostering quick cooperation.

In April, the Supreme Court declared provisions of the Citizenship Act, 2000 (Act 581) unconstitutional, which prevented dual citizens from holding high offices.

The court's 6-1 decision found that these sections breached the Constitution, which cannot be amended by an Act of Parliament.

The court said these sections breached Article 289(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that the Constitution shall not be amended or altered by an Act of Parliament.

The suit was filed by legal practitioner Bright Okyere-Adjekum.

The Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament has since recommended a bill to amend the Constitution, allowing dual citizens to hold certain public offices, including becoming parliamentarians.

Read more: It’s time to exorcise fear of imaginary betrayal by dual citizens

The bill was introduced after being published in the Gazette in 2021.

Regarding the report by the committee, Dr Draman stated the importance of inclusion and participation, especially considering the economic contributions of the diaspora.

“On one hand, we want the diaspora to make contributions...but in another breath, we tell them they cannot participate in the political process. I think it's very unfair if we look at it from the point of view of participation.”

He cited the example of the leader of the opposition in Canada, who was a dual Canadian and American citizen, proving that dual citizenship does not hinder loyalty or performance.

"Sometimes, when people want to betray their country, it doesn't simply mean that they do that because they are dual citizens," Draman stated.