CITIZENSHIP ACT, 2000 AND THE 1992 CONSTITUTION: WHO QUALIFIES TO BE A CITIZEN OF GHANA?
WRITER (SAINT-AYISI SAMUEL) There have been several arguments by concerned citizens and other political stakeholders in relation to citizenship. The diverse opinions and ideological perspectives as to who qualifies to be a citizen has created heated arguments by political actors on the media airwaves. The constitution of Ghana clearly explains how individuals qualifies to be a citizen in chapter three (3) of the 1992 constitution. Article 6 clause (1) of the 1992 constitution states that “Every person who, on the coming into force of this Constitution, is a citizen of Ghana by law shall continue to be a citizen of Ghana”. Clause (2) also states that “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a person born in or outside Ghana after the coming into force of this Constitution, shall become a citizen of Ghana at the date of his birth if either of his parents or grandparents is or was a citizen of Ghana”. Further elaborations in clause (3) also states that...