Ghanaians who are citizens in Germany have petitioned the Ghanaians Ambassador to Germany, Gina Blay and Interior Minister, Henry Quartey to expedite the process to reinstate their citizenship.
Following the passage of the Dual Citizenship law in Germany, they are now free to be Ghanaians again.
However, they have expressed worry about the inaction on the part of the Ghana Embassy in Germany.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Abrokyire Nkomo host, Kwaku Amankwatia, Ghanaian Community Leader, Germany, Kwaku Appiah said it is disappointing that there are still no clear answers to our questions about the reinstatement process.
This lack of clarity four months after the law was passed, he noted is causing significant frustration within the Ghanaian community in Germany.
Mr. Appiah said it is imperative that the Government of Ghana expedite the process to reinstate its citizens.Â
He hinted of an impending demonstration if the Ambassador, Gina Blay fails to act on their petition.
Dear H.E Gina Blay,
URGENT CLARIFICATION ON REINSTATEMENT PROCESS
We are writing on behalf of the Ghanaian community in Germany to express our concerns
regarding the reinstatement process for dual citizenship.
It has been over four months since the Dual Citizenship law was passed, yet there have been no definitive measures announced regarding the cost and timelines for reinstatement to apply for a Ghanaian passport.
The Embassy has been aware of the developments concerning the new law for more than a
year. It is disappointing that there are still no clear answers to our questions about the
reinstatement process. This lack of clarity is causing significant frustration within our
community.
In the past, we have advocated for the Ghanaian government to value its citizens and make it easier to retain Ghanaian citizenship while acquiring another, as seen in Nigeria.
Unfortunately, this did not materialize. Now that Germany allows dual citizenship, it is
imperative that the Government of Ghana expedite the process to reinstate its citizens.
Many of our compatriots had to renounce their Ghanaian citizenship due to economic reasons and the mandatory requirements at the time.
We wish to remind the Government of Ghana of the benefits of reclaiming its citizens who
have integrated into German society. These benefits include:
* Strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and Germany.
* Increasing economic investments from the Ghanaian diaspora.
* Boosting remittances to support families and communities in Ghana.
* Encouraging skilled professionals to contribute to Ghana’s development.
We request that the embassy develop a comprehensive process for reinstating Ghanaian
citizenship.
We believe there are precedents, such as Ghana Embassy in Norway’s approach
to dual citizenship, that can guide this process. It is perplexing that Ghanaians in Germany,
many of whom were born in Ghana and hold Ghanaian birth certificates, face such difficulties in reacquiring their passports.
The current process outlined by the embassy is quite cumbersome and should not be more difficult than applying for a passport.
We respectfully request a detailed response from the embassy within the next two weeks,
outlining the steps and requirements for reinstatement. If we do not hear from the Embassy within this timeframe, we will proceed with organizing a demonstration in Berlin to highlight the urgency of our concerns and our commitment to resolving these issues.
Ghanaian Community in Germany
Sezannerstrasse 78a, 76316 Malsch
Benjamin Sarfo Okrah | GHANAIAN COMMUNITY GERMANY
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your prompt response
and actions
Sincerely,
Benjamin Sarfo Okrah