Empowering the Ghanaian Diaspora: The Case for Constitutional Reform to Allow Dual Citizens in Politics

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.

When a Constitutional Review Committee is eventually formed, it must recognize that many individuals of Ghanaian heritage are making political strides in various European nations' legislative bodies. Ghana must benefit from their knowledge. For instance in 2019, the UK had up to five Members of Parliament of Ghanaian heritage. Some of them were born in Ghana and later naturalized. Notable figures include Lord Paul Yaw Boateng (a British Labor politician), Rt. Hon. Kwasi Kwarteng (Secretary of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy), Franklin Owusu Antwi, Adam Afriyie, Abena Oppong-Asare (MP and Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury), and Maria Lovell (Labor Councilor and Town Mayor for the Borough of Luton).

When I asked several of these politicians why they do not wish to join Ghana's parliament to help shape its political discourse, they unanimously pointed to the challenges that Hon. Gyekye Quayson (MP for Assin North) faced before being accepted into parliament. They all expressed that if the constitution allowed dual citizens to hold political office, they would not hesitate to join Ghana's parliament.

This topic may offend many Ghanaian politicians, but it is essential to consider that individuals who have lived in multiple countries can bring fresh insights and diverse perspectives to policymaking, especially in areas such as international trade, development, and diplomacy.

Participating in Ghana's parliament can make the Ghanaian diaspora a powerful force for economic growth and positive social development. Politicians from the diaspora with dual citizenship could serve as a bridge to attract international investment and business opportunities. Including dual citizens in Ghana's government can strengthen ties with the diaspora, enhancing cultural exchange and knowledge transfer.

A Constitutional Review Commission must also recognize that dual citizens often possess specific skills and knowledge acquired while living abroad, which could benefit government functions in Ghana. While Ghanaian politicians in the diaspora undoubtedly have the potential to enhance development in Ghana, the restriction on their participation in the legislative body hinders their contributions.

Therefore, I implore people reviewing the 1992 Constitution to consider amending the clause prohibiting dual citizens from seeking political office in Ghana. Having people with dual citizenship in Ghana's parliament can provide valuable international perspectives, facilitate access to foreign markets and investments, and potentially foster stronger diplomatic ties with other countries, especially those with significant diaspora populations.