Member of Parliament for Akim Swedru, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, has announced that the Government’s White Paper on the constitutional review process has recommended removing restrictions that prevent dual citizens from serving as Members of Parliament and holding certain key public offices.
In a post shared on his Facebook page, the lawmaker said the proposed amendment seeks to remove the limitation under Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, which currently bars dual citizens from contesting parliamentary elections and occupying some public offices.
According to him, the recommendation would allow Ghanaians with dual citizenship to contest for Parliament and serve in other designated public positions without first renouncing their foreign citizenship. However, he noted that the offices of President and Vice President would remain restricted to persons who do not hold dual citizenship.
“Finally, the Government’s White Paper has recommended the removal of the restrictions put on dual citizenship from holding office as a Member of Parliament and other key offices, except that of the President and the Vice President,” he wrote.
He further explained that once the proposed constitutional amendments are approved and take effect, dual citizens will no longer be required to renounce their foreign citizenship before seeking election to Parliament or accepting eligible public appointments.
Kennedy Osei Nyarko described the recommendation as a significant step forward, particularly for Ghanaians living abroad who wish to contribute to national development through public service.
“This, I think, is good news for our brothers and sisters living abroad who want to come home to serve the nation at the highest level,” he added.
The recommendation forms part of the Government’s White Paper on constitutional reforms and will require the necessary constitutional amendment process before it can become law.
