The Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has stated that appointing a dual citizen to the Supreme Court does not breach Ghanaian laws.

He explained that the Supreme Court has previously ruled on the Citizenship Act, permitting dual citizens to occupy significant positions.

In an interview with JoyNews on Wednesday, August 13, the Deputy AG remarked that “It's very clear that under our laws, you can be a dual citizen, but still be a judge of the Supreme Court. In April this year, a judgment was delivered to that effect.

“So the nominee who came yesterday is qualified under our laws, not to the fact that he owes a Canadian citizenship, but for the judgment in April, he would have qualified to be a Supreme Court judge in Ghana.”

His remarks follow criticism from Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who voiced strong opposition to the nomination of Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong, a dual citizen, for the Supreme Court position.

Dr. Forson argued that dual citizens should not be eligible for high government roles, particularly as Supreme Court judges.

During the vetting session on Tuesday, August 12, Dr. Forson, a member of the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, contended that Professor Oppong's dual citizenship disqualifies him from the role. He insisted that Professor Oppong must renounce his foreign citizenship before his nomination can be endorsed.

“The Constitution, in Article 156(1), is clear that you would have to take an oath of allegiance, and the same Supreme Court has equated allegiance to nationality,” Dr Forson stated.

“In my view, you do not qualify, and I believe that you would need to renounce your citizenship to be eligible for the role of a Supreme Court judge.”

When questioned about the assurance that the Supreme Court nominee will uphold justice if appointed, Mr. Tuah-Yeboah affirmed his confidence in Prof. Oppong's capabilities.

He noted that despite Prof. Oppong’s lack of practical legal experience, he possesses extensive knowledge and is well-equipped to fulfill the responsibilities of a judge effectively.

“Yesterday you listened to him, watched him - an excellent professor. He knows his stuff, in fact, we were in the law school together, even though he's one year behind me, and I know his worth.

“In terms of his ability to deliver as a judge, I can assure you he has every quality that any judge should possess in the dispensation of justice, and I trust him that he will do his job as a judge,” he added.