A feature by Edward Boateng
Accra, July 20, GNA – Every few years, Ghana returns to the same constitutional debate: Should Ghanaians with dual citizenship, or those born outside the country, be barred from holding certain public offices?
It is a legitimate constitutional question. Yet, beyond the legal arguments lies a broader national concern- one that speaks directly to Ghana’s development aspirations.
The contradiction is difficult to ignore.
Ghana enthusiastically welcomes citizens born and raised abroad to represent the nation in sports. They are celebrated when they score goals, win medals and raise the national flag on the global stage. Their dual citizenship or foreign upbringing is viewed as an advantage rather than a liability.
However, when similarly qualified Ghanaians seek to serve in public office, questions suddenly arise about divided loyalty. Constitutional restrictions become the focus.
Why should the standard be different?
Is patriotism determined by one’s place of birth, or by one’s willingness and ability to serve the nation faithfully?
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, countries compete not only for investment but also for talent. Nations making the greatest progress are those that attract and retain highly skilled people, wherever they may be.
China, once cautious about external influence, has deliberately encouraged overseas Chinese scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs and professionals to return home or contribute from abroad. Japan, confronted with demographic decline and labour shortages, is gradually opening more sectors of its economy to skilled international talent.
Across Asia, Europe and North America, governments increasingly recognise that human capital is among their most valuable strategic assets.
The United Kingdom offers another example. Kemi Badenoch, whose upbringing spans Britain and Nigeria, rose to lead the governing Conservative Party. Her international background was regarded as part of her experience rather than evidence of divided allegiance.
Globally, international exposure is increasingly viewed as an asset because it brings fresh perspectives, wider networks and valuable experience.
Should Ghana be moving in the opposite direction?
Many Ghanaian leaders have children who were born outside the country. Should those children, merely because of the circumstances of their birth, be permanently excluded from serving Ghana at the highest levels?
Such a position also raises broader questions for the millions of Ghanaians in the diaspora who continue to invest in the country through remittances, businesses, philanthropy and skills transfer, while maintaining a strong desire to contribute to national development.
Citizenship alone is not a reliable measure of loyalty. Neither is it a measure of competence.
History offers numerous examples of individuals with only one citizenship who betrayed the public trust through corruption, incompetence or abuse of office. Conversely, many dual citizens have demonstrated remarkable commitment to their countries by investing their expertise, resources and international networks in national development.
The more fundamental questions, therefore, are different.
Does the individual possess integrity? Do they have the competence required for public office? Are they genuinely committed to Ghana’s interests? Can appropriate legal and institutional safeguards protect national security where necessary?
These are the questions that deserve greater attention.
No nation advances by deliberately narrowing its pool of talent.
Ghana needs engineers, scientists, doctors, financiers, diplomats, entrepreneurs, academics, technology experts and experienced public administrators. At a time when competition for skilled professionals is intensifying globally, the country can scarcely afford to alienate capable citizens willing to contribute to its progress.
Constitutions exist to safeguard national interests. However, they must also evolve to respond to changing realities.
In an increasingly globalised world, many citizens acquire multiple nationalities through birth, marriage, education or employment.
That reality, in itself, should not automatically disqualify them from serving the country they continue to regard as home.
Perhaps the debate should move beyond the narrow question of dual citizenship to a more fundamental one: What kind of Ghana does the nation seek to build?
If the ambition is to build a competitive, knowledge-driven economy, then Ghana cannot afford to close the door on its own people.
The future will belong to nations that attract, nurture and harness talent – not those that legislate it away.
GNA
Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage
The writer is a former Ghana Ambassador to China and former Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA).
