A heated debate has emerged over whether dual citizens by birth should be allowed to serve as Members of Parliament in Ghana, following contrasting views expressed by political figures in the Lambussie Constituency.
The discussion took place on Day Break Upper West, a morning show on Lambussie 97.7 FM, where Mr. Abubakari Abdul-Moomin, Deputy Constituency Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Mr. Raymond Aabangnaa, an aspiring Communication Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lambussie, presented opposing arguments on the issue.
Mr. Abdul-Moomin raised concerns about national allegiance, questioning the implications of allowing dual citizens into Parliament. He argued that individuals holding citizenship in more than one country may face divided loyalty when making decisions that affect Ghana’s national interest.
“If dual citizens by birth are allowed to become Parliamentarians in Ghana, where will their loyalty be?” he quizzed.
According to him, the role of a legislator demands undivided commitment to the country, and any ambiguity in allegiance could pose risks to governance and national security.
However, Mr. Raymond Aabangnaa strongly disagreed, defending the rights of dual citizens and emphasizing inclusivity in governance. He maintained that citizenship by birth is an inherent right that should not be restricted when it comes to political participation.
“Citizenship by birth is a natural right and therefore the proposal to allow dual citizens become Parliamentarians is long overdue,” he stated.
Mr. Aabangnaa argued that dual citizens bring diverse perspectives, international exposure, and valuable experience that could enrich parliamentary debates and decision-making processes.
The discussion reflects a broader national conversation about constitutional reforms and the eligibility of dual citizens to hold high public office in Ghana. While some stakeholders echo concerns about loyalty and national interest, others advocate for equal rights and inclusiveness in democratic governance.
As the debate continues, many observers believe that any decision on the matter will require careful consideration of constitutional provisions, national security implications, and the evolving nature of global citizenship.
