Deputy Minister-Designate for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, has urged the government to adopt policies that encourage Ghanaians living abroad—particularly those with dual citizenship—to return home and support national development efforts.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25, the Assin North MP described himself as a passionate advocate of dual citizenship.
He highlighted the strong emotional and cultural ties many members of the Ghanaian diaspora continue to maintain with their homeland, even after decades abroad.
“I’m a strong advocate of dual citizenship. There’s no place like home. And many of us, even some of our youth, I’m sure, some members have sent their kids outside to study, it’s just an opportunity, right? And some have left our shores of their own accord,” he stated.
Mr. Quayson, who lived in Canada for 42 years before returning to Ghana, explained that individuals who leave the country after the age of 18 often continue to identify deeply with Ghana due to their enduring family and cultural connections.
“But the bottom line is that those of us who are 18 years plus and you leave your shores, no matter how long you’re out there, because of your family ties, cultural ties, you feel this is where you belong,” he noted.
He called for a national strategy to harness the potential of dual citizens, saying they represent a valuable pool of talent, skills, and investment for the country.
“And so, we all as a nation should work towards this direction to make sure that some of our nationals with dual citizenship or whatnot should be encouraged to come. That is what I’m championing for. And eventually, our children and grandchildren can also come back home,” he said.
Mr. Quayson expressed confidence that with economic reforms and improvements, Ghana could become a highly attractive destination for returnees from the diaspora.
“If we put our country together economically, this country will be one of the most blessed, a paradise in disguise,” he concluded.
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