Both the Constitution of Ghana and the Nationality Act state that in order to obtain Ghanaian citizenship, other than through marriage to a citizen of Ghana, the applicant must be able to speak and understand an indigenous language of Ghana (Quashigah December 1998, 36; Ghana 1971). This was confirmed by a representative of the Consular Section of the High Commission of Ghana in Ottawa. The representative also stated that these laws apply to citizens of all nations, including China, irrespective of the length of time they have resided in Ghana.

No information on the treatment of Chinese in Ghana could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Ghana. Nationality Act. 3 July 1971. (UNHCR REFLEG)

High Commission of Ghana, Ottawa. 18 October 2001. Telephone interview with representative from the Consular Section.

Quashigah, Kofi. December 1998. "Republic of Ghana." Constitutions of the Countries of the World. Edited by Gisbert H. Flanz. Dobbs Ferry, NY: Oceana Publications.

Additional Sources Consulted

IRB Databases

Africa Confidential 1999-2001

Africa Research Bulletin 1999-2001

Africa South of the Sahara. 2000.

Christian Council of Ghana

Europa World Yearbook 2000.

IRIN

Keesing's Record of World Events 1999-2001.

NEXIS

Political Handbook of the World 1999.

US Department of State Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 1999-2000.

WNC

Internet sites including:

Amnesty International

Human Rights Watch

Ghanaian Chronicle

GhanaWeb.con