President John Dramani Mahama has thrown his support behind proposed constitutional reforms that could open the door for Ghanaians with dual citizenship to serve in Parliament and hold ministerial positions, a move he says would strengthen the involvement of the diaspora in national governance.
Addressing a Diaspora Town Hall Meeting in London on Sunday, May 31, 2026, the President said government was pursuing constitutional changes aimed at removing barriers that currently limit the political participation of many Ghanaians living abroad.
According to him, legislation connected to the ongoing constitutional review process is already before Parliament and seeks to create broader opportunities for dual citizens to contribute directly to the country’s leadership and decision-making structures.
“We currently have legislation before Parliament to review the 1992 Constitution to allow Ghanaians in the diaspora who hold other passports or dual passports to be able to participate in our politics at parliamentary and ministerial level,” he told the gathering.
His comments come at a time when lawmakers are examining proposals that could eliminate constitutional restrictions preventing dual citizens from occupying certain public offices.
The Constitution of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is seeking to remove limitations that affect dual citizens who aspire to hold positions including Ambassador or High Commissioner, Secretary to Cabinet, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police. The bill has already undergone its First Reading and has been referred to Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee for further consideration.
President Mahama maintained that Ghanaians abroad remain an integral part of the country’s development agenda and deserve a greater voice in shaping its future. He once again described the diaspora as Ghana’s “17th region”, highlighting its growing significance to national progress.
“We have 16 physical regions in Ghana, but we have one virtual region, which is our diaspora abroad,” he said.
The President also pointed to the economic impact of overseas Ghanaians, noting that remittance inflows reached approximately US$7.8 billion last year, a figure he said reflects the diaspora’s vital contribution to the economy.
Debate over whether dual citizens should be permitted to occupy certain public offices has persisted for years. Advocates argue that Ghana stands to benefit from the expertise, professional experience and global exposure of citizens living abroad. Critics, however, continue to raise concerns about questions of allegiance and national security.
The discussion gained renewed prominence following the legal and political challenges involving Assin North MP and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister,, whose citizenship status became the subject of a prolonged court battle linked to his election to Parliament.
Drawing reference to that experience, President Mahama revealed that he informally refers to the proposed constitutional changes as the “Gyakye Quayson law.”
“I privately call it the Gyakye Quayson law because of the tribulations this man went through,” he said.
Earlier at the event, Mr Quayson encouraged Ghanaians living overseas to fully embrace government’s efforts to position the diaspora as a key partner in national development.
“I was like one of you not too long ago,” he told the audience. “Let’s take this business of calling the diaspora the 17th region very seriously.”
Also speaking at the gathering, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland,, called for deeper collaboration between the state and Ghanaians abroad, describing the diaspora as an essential stakeholder in Ghana’s development journey.
