Government Backs Proposal to Allow Dual Citizens to Contest Parliamentary Elections

The government has accepted a proposal that would allow Ghanaian citizens by birth who hold dual citizenship to contest parliamentary elections without renouncing their foreign nationality, as part of ongoing constitutional reform proposals.

Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, announced the government’s position while presenting its response to recommendations from the Constitutional Review Committee.

He said the proposed amendment seeks to remove constitutional restrictions that currently prevent dual citizens from contesting parliamentary seats unless they first renounce their other citizenship.

Supporters of the proposal argue that the change would enable more Ghanaians living abroad to contribute directly to the country’s governance while preserving their ties with other countries.

If approved through the constitutional amendment process, Ghanaian citizens by birth who possess another nationality would be eligible to stand for election to Parliament without giving up their foreign citizenship.

The proposal comes weeks after the Council of State advised against the passage of the Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill. However, the Council’s advice is not legally binding on Parliament.

Dr. Ayine said the government’s position reflects its assessment of the Constitutional Review Committee’s recommendations and will guide the preparation of amendment legislation.

The proposed amendment forms part of a broader constitutional reform package that includes extending the tenure of the president and parliament to five years, moving presidential elections to November, and other governance reforms.

The proposals will still have to pass the constitutional amendment process before any changes can take effect.