The Government of Ghana has accepted a recommendation from the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) that would permit dual citizens to occupy most public offices while retaining the constitutional requirement that the offices of President and Vice President be reserved for individuals who hold only Ghanaian citizenship.

The proposal forms part of the government's White Paper responding to recommendations made by the Constitution Review Committee, which was tasked with reviewing the 1992 Constitution and proposing reforms to strengthen governance, inclusiveness, and national development.

Under the proposal, qualified Ghanaians who hold citizenship of another country would no longer be automatically disqualified from serving in several public positions. Supporters of the reform argue that it will enable Ghana to benefit from the expertise, experience, and global networks of members of the Ghanaian diaspora, many of whom have acquired dual citizenship while living and working abroad.

However, the government has decided to retain restrictions on the country's highest executive offices. According to the White Paper, only persons who owe allegiance solely to Ghana will be eligible to contest for the offices of President and Vice President. Officials say the decision is intended to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure that the holders of the nation's highest offices have undivided allegiance to the country.

Governance experts have described the proposal as a compromise between expanding opportunities for dual citizens and preserving constitutional safeguards for key leadership positions. They argue that allowing dual citizens to serve in other public offices could help attract highly skilled professionals to contribute to national development without altering the eligibility requirements for the presidency.

The proposal will not take immediate effect. Because it requires amendments to the 1992 Constitution, it must pass through the constitutional review process, which includes parliamentary approval and, where applicable, a national referendum before becoming law.

The issue of dual citizenship has long been debated in Ghana, with many stakeholders advocating reforms that would allow more Ghanaians living abroad to participate fully in public service while balancing concerns over national loyalty and security.

The government's decision to support broader public office eligibility for dual citizens while maintaining the restriction on the presidency represents a significant constitutional reform proposal. If approved through the constitutional amendment process, the changes could open more leadership opportunities for Ghanaians in the diaspora while preserving existing constitutional requirements for the nation's highest executive offices.