4 MPs seek law change to let dual citizens hold office

Four Members of Parliament have teamed up to sponsor a Private Member’s Bill aimed at amending Ghana’s Constitution to allow Ghanaians with dual citizenship to hold public office, including serving in Parliament.

The legislators include Davis Ansah Opoku (Mpraeso), Kennedy Osei Nyarko (Akim Swedru), Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (Ellembele), and Governs Kwame Agbodza (Adaklu) are advocating for what they describe as a long-overdue reform of Ghana’s citizenship laws.

At the heart of their proposal is a call to amend Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, which currently disqualifies individuals who owe allegiance to another country from becoming Members of Parliament.

They also seek a review of related provisions in the Citizenship Act and other legal frameworks that bar dual citizens from holding various public positions.

Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Davis Ansah Opoku emphasized the need to modernize the law and tap into the talents of Ghanaians living abroad.

“Ghanaians in the diaspora contribute immensely to our economy and development through remittances, investments, and knowledge transfer. Many are willing and ready to serve, yet the current law disqualifies them simply because they hold a second passport,” he said.

He stressed that the initiative is not about diluting national loyalty but about aligning Ghana’s laws with global realities and allowing competent citizens, regardless of where they live, to contribute to governance and nation-building.

“This is about inclusion and practicality. Other democracies have successfully allowed dual citizens to serve without compromising national security or integrity. Ghana can do the same,” he added.

If passed, the bill would mark a major shift in Ghana’s governance landscape, expanding access to public service and embracing the country’s growing global identity.