A growing number of foreigners married to Ghanaian citizens are calling for urgent reforms to Ghana’s dual citizenship law, which they describe as discriminatory, outdated, and inconsistent with the principles of equality and family unity.
At the core of their concerns is the Ghanaian constitution’s silence on the status of foreign spouses.
This omission leaves many without clear legal rights and excludes them from holding certain rights and positions even after years of marriage, residency, and raising children in Ghana.
At a recent constitutional review committee meeting, Rebecca Asare, chairperson of the International Spousal Association of Ghana and an American married to a Ghanaian, expressed frustration over the annual renewal of the Ghana Card.
“Some of our members are now able to apply for dual citizenship. I am originally from the US and have been here for 20 years, so I am currently in the process of applying for citizenship,” she said.
“However, not all members have this option. We need constitutional recognition of foreign spouses, not just provisions in specific legislation. For example, the National Identification Act recognises us under immigration law but not under the NIA Act. As a result, foreign spouses must pay an annual fee in dollar equivalent for the non-citizen card.”
This fee places a significant financial burden on many members, half of whom are pensioners relying on their spouses’ pensions.
“It is difficult for us because we are constantly reminded that we are foreigners, not Ghanaians. While some can pursue citizenship, many cannot,” Ms Asare added.
Irene, another Ghanaian married to a foreigner, highlighted the difficulties faced by their children who hold dual citizenship but are barred from certain rights despite living in Ghana.
“Acquisition of property becomes necessary, especially when they have Ghanaian children and want to leave property to them. Yet, restrictions such as leases limited to 50 years prevent this, creating additional hurdles, especially for Ghanaian women married to foreigners,” she revealed.
“Many husbands have to travel in and out of the country frequently if they do not acquire citizenship. This affects family unity. Inheritance rights for children with dual citizenship are also a major concern.” She said.
She further suggested the creation of a distinct legal category for children born with dual citizenship, as opposed to those who acquire it later.
“My children have lived all their lives in Ghana but cannot hold certain positions they may wish to pursue,” she explained.
The Executive Director of the Centre for Illiteracy Development and an indigenous member of the Zongo community, Mohammed Habib, also emphasised that despite the Zongo community’s long history in Ghana, dating back 200 years, they remain unrecognised as Ghanaians.
“I am an indigenous Zongo person. Often, when seeking national identity documents, we face difficulties and are identified primarily by our ethnic background, despite having lived in the country for centuries. This discourse is therefore very important to us, and we look forward to contributing meaningfully going forward,” he said.
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