By Ghanaians living in Germany have formally petitioned Ghana’s Ambassador to Germany, Gina Blay, and Interior Minister Henry Quartey, urging them to expedite the process of reinstating their Ghanaian citizenship. This move comes in the wake of Germany’s recent passage of a Dual Citizenship law, which now allows these individuals to reclaim their Ghanaian nationality.
Kwaku Appiah, the Ghanaian Community Leader in Germany, expressed disappointment over the lack of clear information from the Ghana Embassy regarding the reinstatement process. Speaking to Asempa FM’s “Abrokyire Nkomo” host, Kwaku Amankwatia, Appiah stated, “It is disappointing that there are still no clear answers to our questions about the reinstatement process.”
The petition, signed by Benjamin Sarfo Okrah on behalf of the Ghanaian Community in Germany, highlights several concerns. Despite four months passing since the German Dual Citizenship law was enacted, no definitive measures have been announced regarding the cost and timelines for reinstatement to apply for a Ghanaian passport. The community expresses frustration over the embassy’s lack of preparedness, despite being aware of the impending law change for over a year.
Petitioners emphasize the potential benefits of reclaiming Ghanaian citizens in Germany, including strengthened bilateral relations, increased economic investments, boosted remittances, and the contribution of skilled professionals to Ghana’s development. They request a comprehensive process for reinstating Ghanaian citizenship, suggesting that the Ghana Embassy in Norway’s approach could serve as a model.
The current process outlined by the embassy is described as cumbersome, especially for individuals born in Ghana who hold Ghanaian birth certificates. The community has given the embassy a two-week deadline to provide a detailed response outlining the steps and requirements for reinstatement. Failure to do so, they warn, will result in a demonstration in Berlin to highlight the urgency of their concerns.
