Citizenship by Descent

Ghanaian citizenship by descent is a constitutional right granted to individuals born anywhere in the world who have a direct ancestral link to Ghana. Unlike naturalization, which is a discretionary grant by the government, citizenship by descent is considered an inherent status—you are technically already a citizen by law, and you are simply applying for the official recognition of that status.

This pathway is primarily governed by the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Citizenship Act, 2000 (Act 591). It is designed for the Ghanaian diaspora to formalize their ties to the nation, allowing those born abroad to claim the same legal standing as those born within Ghana's borders.

While Ghana is welcoming of dual nationals, the Constitution prohibits dual citizens from holding certain high-level "Sensitive Offices." You are eligible for citizenship, but you cannot hold positions such as:

• Ambassador or High Commissioner
• Secretary to the Cabinet
• Chief of Defence Staff
• Inspector-General of Police
• Director of Immigration Service
• Member of Parliament (unless the non-Ghanaian citizenship is renounced)

Once your citizenship is recognized and you have obtained your Ghanaian Passport or Dual Citizenship Card, you enjoy the following rights:

• Right of Abode: You have the unconditional right to live and work in Ghana indefinitely without requiring a visa or work permit.
• Economic Participation: You can own land and property in Ghana under the same legal terms as locally-born citizens.
• ECOWAS Travel: As a Ghanaian citizen, you enjoy visa-free travel and the right to reside/work in any of the 15 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations, including Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire.
• Consular Protection: You are entitled to protection and assistance from Ghanaian embassies and high commissions worldwide.
• Social Services: You have full access to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the public education system.
• Voting Rights: You have the right to register and vote in national elections, provided you meet the residency requirements set by the Electoral Commission.