Mahama: Diaspora can soon serve as MPs, ministers without renouncing status
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to remove constitutional barriers preventing Ghanaians in the diaspora from serving in top political positions without giving up their foreign citizenship or residency.
Addressing members of the Ghanaian diaspora in Philadelphia, the President said government is backing a bipartisan bill in Parliament that will allow dual citizens to contest for parliamentary seats and be appointed as ministers while retaining their status abroad.
“That is why we are sponsoring and supporting a bipartisan bill in our Parliament so that members of the Ghanaian diaspora can participate fully in the political administration of our country,” he stated.
President Mahama explained that the move is in recognition of the diaspora’s immense contributions to Ghana’s development, particularly through remittances and investments.
“Through your remittances, investments, professional networks and expertise, you continue to support families across our country. You continue to strengthen communities and contribute meaningfully to our economy,” he said.
He noted that remittances remain one of the country’s most reliable sources of foreign exchange, revealing that Ghana recorded $7.8 billion in inflows last year—second only to gold exports.
“Remittances amounted last year to a record $7.8 billion inflows into Ghana. It was second only to gold in terms of Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings,” he added.
According to the President, the proposed legislation will amend provisions in the Constitution that currently exclude dual citizens from holding certain public offices.
“We have a bill in Parliament that is bipartisan—it means both sides support it—and we will amend that clause in our Constitution that excludes you,” he said.
“You will not need to renounce your citizenship or your resident status before you stand for Parliament or be appointed as a minister in Ghana,” President Mahama assured.
