The Deputy Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has affirmed that the nomination of Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong, a dual citizen, as a Supreme Court judge complies with Ghanaian law.
In an interview, Tuah-Yeboah clarified that recent rulings by the Supreme Court have effectively addressed concerns about dual citizenship in high-ranking positions.
“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,” he said.
This reassurance follows criticism from Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who objected to Prof. Oppong’s nomination, citing his dual citizenship as a disqualifying factor.
Dr. Forson argued during a vetting session on August 12 that Prof. Oppong must renounce his foreign citizenship to meet the constitutional requirements for a Supreme Court judge.
“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,” Forson asserted.
Despite these concerns, Tuah-Yeboah expressed confidence in Prof. Oppong’s qualifications and judicial capabilities.
He praised Oppong’s academic excellence and potential for delivering justice, noting his extensive knowledge despite not having a traditional legal practice background.
“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,” Tuah-Yeboah remarked, emphasizing his belief in Oppong’s ability to fulfill the role effectively.
