Lawyer and fellow of the Center for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana), Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, is advocating for the reintroduction of the Citizens Amendment Bill in parliament.

In 2021, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akim Swedru, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, laid the the bill before the House.

Currently, Ghanaians who are citizens of other countries are barred from holding public office, such as Chief Justice, Ambassador or High Commissioner, Chief Fire Officer, Chief Director of a Ministry, Inspector-General of Police, Member of Parliament, etc.

But the Bill is seeking to have such restrictions removed.

If passed, dual citizens can be considered for various public offices, including Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, Ambassador or High Commissioner, Director of Immigration Service, Secretary to Cabinet and Member of Parliament, among others.

• Read also: Akim Swedru MP presents Bill to allow dual citizens to hold public office

According to Prof Asare, after the introduction of the bill on the floor, it has gone through several processes, including the first reading and then to the Council of State for advice.

He said the Council of State had agreed that it was time the bill be amended since the current one prevented some citizens from participating in governance.

However, following their advice, the bill was referred to a committee, but not much has been heard of it after that.

Prof Asare says it is time to reintroduce the bill for it to go through the second and third readings and subsequently be amended.

"The bill was referred to the committee on July 30, 2023. Here we are in June 2024; we ask, when will the second reading and the third reading be? The second reading and the third reading are when we vote on this bill, so let's bring the bill to the floor to vote on it," he told host Samson Lardy Anyenini on JoyNews' The Law on June 2.

• Read also: Next NDC Government will clarify dual citizenship law – Mahama

The CDD fellow said many, including former President John Mahama and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, support the call, so it was high time the bill is reintroduced for amendment.

“As far as I know, Ex President John Mahama has said he supports the bill and he has said so publicly. President Nana Akufo-Addo says he supports the bill and he has said so publicly. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, my good friend, my brother has said he supports the bill even publicly so what are we waiting for?” he quizzed.

He continued, “It is time to bring the bill to the floor when the House resumes on June 11 and to vote on it.”