Ghana moves to let dual citizens run for Parliament and hold key offices

The Ghanaian government has accepted the Constitutional Review Committee’s recommendation to remove the constitutional ban that forced dual citizens to renounce foreign nationality before contesting parliamentary elections. Under the proposed reforms, a Ghanaian by birth who also holds another citizenship will be eligible to stand for Parliament and to serve in several senior public roles, including Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament and Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. The positions of President and Vice‑President will remain reserved for single‑citizenship holders.

Attorney‑General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Ayine presented the government’s White Paper, stating that the existing restriction “sits uneasily with our engagement with the diaspora and the realities of modern citizenship.” The reforms still require the constitutional amendment process before they can take effect.