Govt Backs Constitutional Reform to Let Dual Citizens Run for Parliament
The government has accepted a proposal to amend the 1992 Constitution to allow Ghanaian citizens by birth with dual nationality to contest parliamentary elections without having to renounce their foreign citizenship.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, announced the decision during a press briefing on the government's position on the final recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee.
According to him, the current constitutional restriction does not reflect the realities of modern citizenship or Ghana’s relationship with its diaspora community.
“The current disqualification sits uneasily with our engagement with the diaspora and with the realities of modern citizenship,” he said.
Under the proposed amendment, a Ghanaian citizen by birth who holds citizenship of another country will not be required to give up that citizenship before seeking election to Parliament.
The Attorney-General explained that the reform is intended to broaden political participation and ensure that qualified Ghanaians are not excluded from public service because of their dual citizenship status.
He further disclosed that multiple citizenship would no longer disqualify individuals from holding certain public offices, except the positions of President and Vice President.
"Except for that of the President and Vice President of the Republic,” he stated.
Mr Ayine added that dual citizens could, under the proposed changes, qualify to occupy positions such as Chief Justice, head of the Electoral Commission and Speaker of Parliament.
“Multiple citizenship will not disqualify a person from becoming Chief Justice of the Republic, becoming the head of the Electoral Commission, or becoming Speaker of Parliament,” he said.
However, he clarified that the restriction on dual or multiple citizenship would remain for the offices of President and Vice President.
The Attorney-General said the proposed reforms form part of the government's broader efforts to review constitutional provisions and ensure they reflect Ghana’s current social, political and economic realities.
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