President John Dramani Mahama has expressed strong support for proposed constitutional reforms aimed at increasing the participation of Ghanaians living abroad in national governance, including allowing dual citizens to serve as Members of Parliament and ministers of state.
Addressing a Diaspora Town Hall Meeting in London on Sunday, May 31, 2026, President Mahama explained that a bill currently before Parliament seeks to revise provisions of the 1992 Constitution to widen political opportunities for Ghanaians in the diaspora, including those holding dual citizenship.
“There is legislation before Parliament to review the 1992 Constitution to allow Ghanaians in the diaspora who hold other passports or dual citizenship to participate in our politics at parliamentary and ministerial levels,” he stated.
The proposed Constitution of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is also aimed at lifting restrictions that currently bar dual citizens from holding key public offices such as Ambassador, High Commissioner, Secretary to the Cabinet, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and the Inspector-General of Police. The bill has passed its First Reading and has been referred to Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee for further consideration.
President Mahama emphasized the importance of the diaspora in national development, describing Ghanaians abroad as the country’s “17th region.”
“We have 16 physical regions in Ghana, but we also have a virtual region—our diaspora,” he said.
He further noted that remittances from Ghanaians abroad reached approximately US$7.8 billion last year, underscoring the diaspora’s significant economic contribution.
The proposal has reignited long-standing debate over dual citizenship and eligibility for public office. While supporters argue that Ghana stands to benefit from the expertise and global exposure of its citizens abroad, critics raise concerns about loyalty and national security.
The issue has also drawn renewed attention following past legal and political controversies involving Assin North MP and former Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, James Gyakye Quayson, over his eligibility to hold office due to citizenship concerns.
President Mahama, referencing Mr. Quayson’s experience, said he had privately referred to the reforms as the “Gyakye Quayson law,” adding that the proposal was partly informed by the difficulties the MP faced.
“I privately call it the Gyakye Quayson law because of the tribulations this man went through,” he noted.
Mr. Quayson, who also addressed the gathering, encouraged members of the diaspora to actively engage in Ghana’s development agenda, urging them to embrace the idea of being regarded as a “17th region.”
“I was like one of you not too long ago,” he said. “Let’s take seriously this idea of the diaspora as the 17th region.”
Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, also called for stronger collaboration between the state and Ghanaians abroad, describing the diaspora as a vital pillar of national development.
