Founder of National Interest Movement Dr. Abu Sakara Foster has suggested that it makes no sense for Ghanaians in the diaspora to be encouraged to invest in the country when they have been denied an opportunity to hold positions as MPs and Ministers.
The agronomist is therefore calling for a review of the constitution to give Ghanaians in the diaspora a fairer opportunity before they can invest back home.
In an opinion piece, Dr. Sahara said: “First, let us change the constitution to offer our Diasporeans a fairer deal so that they have a bigger stake and say in the country’s management.
Also, allow dual citizens to contest as MP’s and be appointed as Cabinet Ministers, etc.
Only the President and Vice President should renounce their other citizenship before being sworn into office.
If we need every Ghanaian, let us use every Ghanaian.
The argument that dual citizens would be disloyal in office is a bogus argument born out of jealousy and fear of competition with well resourced, well educated, very experienced, and disciplined Ghanaians that have become accustomed to living principled lives in societies where accountability is a normal expectation” he argued.
He was responding to an appeal made by the Chief of Staff Madam Frema Opare on the need for Ghanaians abroad to invest back home.
Read his full post below
This is appeal for more investment does not make sense to many Ghanaian Diasporeans that are also dual citizens or aspiring to it.
Ghana’s constitution denies dual citizens appointment as MPs and Ministers etc. but you want them to invest their savings in the country.
This is aside their remittances that are more than the money the country borrows annually and for which our President is dictated to as parliament sign on to the said loans in silence.
First, let us change the constitution to offer our Diasporeans a fairer deal so that they have a bigger stake and say in the country’s management.
Also, allow dual citizens to contest as MP’s and be appointed as Cabinet Ministers, etc.
Only the President and Vice President should renounce their other citizenship before being sworn into office.
If we need every Ghanaian, let us use every Ghanaian.
The argument that dual citizens would be disloyal in office is a bogus argument born out of jealousy and fear of competition with well resourced, well educated, very experienced, and disciplined Ghanaians that have become accustomed to living principled lives in societies where accountability is a normal expectation.
If they can’t function here it is because our system needs to change and that is what the naysayers are really afraid of.
Those that insist in challenging the fact that conflict of interest between two nations would not be an impediment to loyal service by dual nationals should answer these questions.
What has made the political leadership, that you claim are too corrupt, sign deals that are not in the interest of the nation?
What has caused those Ministers, MPs, and Presidents that have only Ghanaian citizenship to be accused of being greedy and selfish to the detriment of the country?
Is it dual citizenship or character failure or what?
So please let us get our logic straight. We can’t eat our cake and have it.
Let us allow dual citizens that are Ghanaians by birthright more say in governance of the country.
Don’t just take their money for investment in ghana, whilst some non-dual citizen Ghanaians are waiting at home for the opportunity to re-export that same money through deals and judgement debt.
Dr. Abu Sakara Foster
Founder National Interest Movement.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com