Africa-Press – Ghana. Designate for Foreign Affairs, Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, has called on the government to adopt policies that encourage Ghanaians living abroad, particularly those with dual citizenship, to return home and support national development efforts.
“Mr. Chairman, I’m a strong advocate of dual citizenship. There is no place like home,” Mr. Quayson emphasized during his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee in Parliament House on Friday.
“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 said.
Mr. Quayson, who lived in Canada for 42 years before returning to Ghana, highlighted the strong emotional and cultural ties many members of the Ghanaian diaspora maintained with their homeland.
He said, “Mr. Chairman, the bottom line is that those of us who are 18 years plus and leave your shores, no matter how long you are out there, because of your family ties and cultural ties, feel this is where you belong.”
Mr. Quyason, also a National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Assin North, advocated for a national strategy to harness the potential of dual citizens, citing their valuable skills, talent, and investment potential, adding that “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 am championing for. And eventually, our children and grandchildren can also come back home.”
He expressed confidence that with economic reforms and improvements, Ghana could become an attractive destination for returnees from the diaspora.
“Mr. Chairman, if we put our country together economically, this country will be one of the most blessed, a paradise in disguise,” he said.
President John Dramani Mahama, in line with Articles 78(1) and 79(1) of the 1992 Constitution, appointed four deputy ministers for parliamentary approval.
The nominees include Madam Dorcas Affo-Toffey, an NDC MP for Jomoro—Deputy Minister-designate for Transport; Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, NDC MP for Assin North—Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Mohammed Adam Sukparu, NDC MP for Sissala West—Deputy Minister-designate for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations; and Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, NDC MP for Essikado-Ketan—Deputy Minister-designate for Health.
President Mahama formally submitted the nominations to Parliament through the Speaker, Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
As a result, the Speaker referred the nominations to the Appointment Committee of Parliament on Thursday, July 18, for vetting and reporting to the House.
The outcome of the vetting process will determine whether the nominees are approved to assume their roles, forming part of the government’s strategy to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in key sectors.
“This is the last batch of deputy ministers “nominated by the President, Mr. Felix Kwaykye Ofosu, minister in charge of Government Communications, stated in a statement on Wednesday, July 9.
The vetting process will assess the nominees’ qualifications, experience, and vision for their respective ministries, a memorandum issued by the Media Relations Department of Parliament , Accra, on Wednesday said.
According to President Mahama, these appointments are crucial to building a responsive and efficient government capable of delivering on key development priorities.
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