Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, has thrown his support behind proposals to ease constitutional restrictions on dual citizens holding certain public offices, arguing that Ghana’s reservations are driven more by fear than evidence.
Speaking on the ongoing debate over the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the former Tamale Central MP said he supports the proposed reforms “to an extent,” but believes some offices should remain reserved for sole Ghanaian citizens.
The Bill, currently before Parliament, seeks to amend constitutional provisions that bar dual citizens from occupying a number of high-ranking public offices.
According to Mr. Fuseini, Ghanaians by birth who also hold dual citizenship or permanent residence abroad should be eligible for selected public positions. However, he insisted that the offices of President and Member of Parliament should remain exclusive to citizens who owe allegiance only to Ghana.
Responding to concerns about divided loyalty, Mr. Fuseini argued that there is no evidence to suggest dual citizens are inherently less loyal to their country.
“There is no evidence that anyone with dual citizenship has been caught spying for another country,” he said.
He pointed to international examples, including former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, and former U.S. President Barack Obama, arguing that none had been accused of serving the interests of another country because of their heritage or citizenship status.
“None of them has been accused of owing allegiance to another country,” he noted.
Mr. Fuseini urged Ghanaians to move beyond what he described as unfounded fears and embrace reforms that could help the country tap into the expertise and resources of its diaspora.
“Let’s not conjure hypothetical scenarios where it could happen. What we have is fear. And until we conquer that fear, we may not be able to attract the requisite resources to develop our country.”
Story by Ruth Quaye.
