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Dual citizenship and public office in Ghana is back in the headlines because a constitutional amendment bill has been reported as laid before Parliament for consideration. The proposal matters because it sits at the intersection of sovereignty, diaspora inclusion, and the rules that decide who can hold certain top public offices.
This guide separates what is fact (what the Constitution and reported bill say) from what is opinion (arguments about loyalty and risk). It also explains what would have to happen before anything becomes law.
Table of Contents
Is there really a bill on the table?
Yes. Multiple Ghana news outlets and legal policy monitors have reported that the Constitution of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has been laid before Parliament for consideration. As of the reporting, it is not described as passed, enacted, or operational. It is at the consideration stage.
What the Constitution currently says
Ghana allows dual citizenship, but it also restricts eligibility for specific high-trust roles. The two most-cited constitutional provisions in this debate are:
| Provision | What it says (plain English) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Article 62(1)(a) | To be President, a person must be a citizen of Ghana by birth. | This is the constitutional qualification rule for the Presidency. |
| Article 94(2)(a) | A person cannot be an MP if they owe allegiance to any country other than Ghana. | This is the main constitutional barrier cited in dual citizenship and MP eligibility disputes. |
Separate from Articles 62 and 94, Ghana’s Constitution also contains a dual citizenship clause that recognizes dual nationality, while still allowing Parliament to maintain restrictions for certain offices.
What the 2025 amendment bill reportedly proposes
Based on current reporting, the amendment bill is being framed as a way to remove or relax restrictions that prevent dual citizens or persons considered to owe allegiance elsewhere from holding certain public offices.
Reportedly affected roles include appointments often described as sovereignty-sensitive, such as:
- Ambassador or High Commissioner
- Secretary to the Cabinet
- Chief of Defence Staff or other Service Chiefs
- Inspector General of Police
Some reports also connect the debate to parliamentary eligibility and whether citizens by birth who hold another nationality should be required to renounce before contesting for Parliament. That is a constitutional-level question, not a simple administrative change.
Why the issue is sensitive
There are two truths that can exist at the same time:
- Ghana’s diaspora has contributed significantly through remittances, investment, skills, and institutional experience.
- Many countries still draw lines around the highest trust roles, especially where national security and diplomatic leverage are involved.
Supporters of reform often argue that Ghana loses talent when qualified dual citizens are excluded from public office, especially when they are citizens by birth.
Opponents often argue that the state must reduce conflicts of interest in offices where national security, sensitive intelligence, or diplomatic negotiations are central.
The key point for readers is this: much of the debate is about policy judgment, not about whether dual citizens can love Ghana. The legal question is whether the Constitution should be changed, and if so, how.
What happens next in Parliament
Because this is framed as a constitutional amendment, the path to becoming law is more demanding than a normal Act of Parliament. The exact steps can vary depending on which constitutional provisions are being amended and whether they are treated as entrenched.
| Stage | What it means | What you should watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Bill laid | Parliament has received the bill and it is formally before the House. | Official bill text, memo, and committee assignment. |
| Committee review | Members examine the proposal, call experts, and produce a report. | Committee report, hearings, and public submissions. |
| Parliamentary votes | Constitutional changes often require stronger vote thresholds than normal laws. | Recorded vote counts and any bipartisan support or opposition. |
| Additional constitutional steps | Some constitutional changes may require additional procedures. | Any referendum notice or constitutional formalities. |
Practical takeaways for dual citizens
- Nothing changes until the amendment process is completed. Current rules remain active until formally amended.
- Track official documentation. Prefer Parliament publications and credible national outlets over social media screenshots.
- Plan early if you may seek office. For some paths, renunciation timing and documentation can matter.
- Use the right pathway for your goals. If your goal is long-term status, also compare Right of Abode, naturalization, and other legal routes.
Need a lawyer check? If you are a dual citizen and want clarity on eligibility, renunciation timing, or documentation, request an introduction to a qualified Ghana lawyer here:
FAQs
Is dual citizenship legal in Ghana?
Yes. Ghana recognizes dual citizenship, but it has limits for certain public offices.
Does the Constitution ban dual citizens from being President?
The Constitution requires that a President be a citizen of Ghana by birth. The clause does not explicitly name dual citizenship, but the citizenship-by-birth requirement is the constitutional qualification rule.
Can a dual citizen be an MP today?
Article 94(2)(a) disqualifies persons who owe allegiance to any other country. In practice, disputes often focus on renunciation and timing. If you are considering office, get legal advice for your specific facts.
Is the amendment already law?
No. Reporting describes it as laid before Parliament for consideration, not enacted.
Sources
- MyJoyOnline: Dual citizenship and public office in Ghana (opinion piece and background)
- MyJoyOnline (GNA): Parliament set to consider constitutional amendment bill (Feb 2026)
- Ghana News Agency: Ghana moves to allow dual citizens in key public offices (Feb 2026)
- Citi Newsroom: Constitution amendment bill laid before Parliament (Feb 2026)
- ConstitutionNet: Parliament considers constitutional amendment on dual citizens
- LawsGhana: Article 62 (Qualifications of President)
- LawsGhana: 1992 Constitution of Ghana (full text index)
- FAOLEX: Constitution of Ghana (PDF reference copy)
