Empowering the Ghanaian Diaspora: The Case for Constitutional Reform to Allow Dual Citizens in Politics
Published: 27/Feb/2025
Source: Modern Ghana
By Kwame Aduhene-Kwarteng, PhD
Many Ghanaians at home and abroad believe it is time to revisit the 1992 Constitution. This sentiment is powerful among diaspora members with political aspirations eager to see restrictions lifted on dual citizens serving in political positions. Such a change could significantly enrich our democracy!
What perplexes me is that the government, in its attempts to boost its image in sports, especially soccer, actively encourages Ghanaians living abroad—those with Ghanaian origins—to switch allegiances and play for the national team. However, it is considered taboo for a Ghanaian to hold citizenship in another nation and run for political office in Ghana.
Reasons that have been given for prohibiting people with dual citizenship from entering parliament in Ghana and other African countries include potential conflicts of interest, divided loyalties, increased vulnerability to foreign influence, and complications in policy decisions that might favor one country over another. These factors could potentially undermine public trust in the political system.
While these explanations have some validity, many political leaders recognize that individuals with dual citizenship who live abroad are often exposed to many experiences. They tend to be knowledgeable about politics and human rights, are very outspoken, and do not easily succumb to intimidation.
There are an estimated four million Ghanaians in the diaspora globally, with approximately 9,394 in the United States who have studied there. If dual citizens were allowed to run for political office in Ghana, the country would benefit even more from their expertise. With about 4 Ghanaians and extensive academic experience abroad, Ghana has vast opportunities to enhance its social, political, and intellectual growth. Unfortunately, the clause in the 1992 Constitution has prevented its diasporic residents from being recognized as capable contributors to the nation’s administration and development.
Ghana’s political leaders must follow the examples of countries that have effectively leveraged their diaspora populations for political and developmental purposes. Countries like Israel and Armenia view their Diasporas as strategically critical political assets. At the same time, nations like India and the Philippines have acknowledged the significant contributions of their Diasporas through remittances.
Read further: https://www.modernghana.com/news/1382579/empowering-the-ghanaian-diaspora-the-case-for.html