Parliament has taken a significant step toward reshaping the political rights of Ghanaians abroad by referring the Constitution of Ghana (Amendment) Bill,
2025 to the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee.
The Bill, which passed its First Reading on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, seeks to amend Article 8 of the 1992 Constitution. This specific article currently prohibits dual citizens from holding several high-ranking positions due to concerns over "allegiance" to foreign powers.
The Proposed Changes
The 2025 Bill aims to unlock several "closed" positions for the diaspora community. If passed, dual citizens would be eligible for appointment to roles including:
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Ambassador or High Commissioner
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Secretary to the Cabinet
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Chief of Defence Staff (and other Service Chiefs)
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Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
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Director of Immigration Service
Key Players and Arguments
The debate reflects a long-standing push to better integrate the expertise and resources of the Ghanaian diaspora into national governance.
Proponents: "Harnessing Global Expertise"
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Hon. Davis Ansah Opoku (MP, Mpraeso): A co-sponsor of the Bill, he argues that the world has changed and that Ghana must move past questioning the loyalty of its citizens who have acquired other nationalities for economic or professional reasons.
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Inclusivity: Supporters argue that the diaspora contributes billions in remittances and holds high-level expertise that could accelerate national development if allowed to lead within the public service.
The Role of the Speaker's Office
The First Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, presided over the referral. As a legal expert and long-standing parliamentarian, his referral to the Committee ensures that the Bill will undergo rigorous "winnowing" and public consultation before returning to the plenary for a vote.
The Legal Context: 2012–2026
This Bill follows years of legal and political maneuvering:
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2012 Supreme Court Ruling: In Asare v. Attorney General, the court upheld the restrictions but noted that Parliament has the power to amend them.
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2024 Landmark Ruling: More recently, certain sections of the Citizenship Act (which restricted dual citizens from becoming Chief Justice or Chief Fire Officer) were declared unconstitutional, signaling a judicial shift toward inclusivity.
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2026 Legislative Priority: Under the "Accra Reset" governance agenda, the 9th Parliament has prioritized this Bill as a "bridge" to the diaspora.
The Bottom Line
While the Bill enjoys bipartisan support in principle, it faces a high bar for passage. As an amendment to a non-entrenched provision, it requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Critics still point to "security risks" and "divided loyalties" as reasons to maintain the status quo for the most sensitive security roles (like the IGP and Chief of Defence Staff).
