Ghanaian nationality law is regulated by the Constitution of Ghana, as amended; the Ghana Citizenship Act, and its revisions; and various international agreements to which the country is a signatory. These laws determine who is, or is eligible to be, a national of Ghana. The legal means to acquire nationality, formal legal membership in a nation, differ from the domestic relationship of rights and obligations between a national and the nation, known as citizenship. Nationality describes the relationship of an individual to the state under international law, whereas citizenship is the domestic relationship of an individual within the nation. Ghanaian nationality is typically obtained under the principle of jus sanguinis, born to parents with Ghanaian nationality. It can be granted to persons with an affiliation to the country, or to a permanent resident who has lived in the country for a given period of time through naturalization.
Acquisition of nationality
Nationality can be acquired in Ghana at birth or later in life through naturalization.
By birth
Those who acquire nationality at birth include:
Children born anywhere who have at least one grandparent who is a Ghanaian national of origin; or Abandoned children or orphans, who are under the age of seven, and were discovered in the territory.[./Ghanaian_nationality_law#cite_note-FOOTNOTEManby201650–51-8 [8]]
By naturalisation
Naturalisation can be granted to persons who have resided in the territory for a sufficient period of time to confirm they understand the customs and traditions of the society and speak a language indigenous to Ghana. General provisions are that applicants have good character and conduct, as supported by witness statements of two attorneys or public officials; and are able to contribute to the development and progress of the nation. Applicants must typically have resided in the country for six years. Besides foreigners meeting the criteria, other persons who may be naturalised include:
Adoptees upon completion of a legal adoption automatically derive Ghanaian nationality; The spouse of a Ghanaian national upon registration; Minor children can be automatically naturalised when their parent acquires nationality, or Refugees with the approval of the Minister of the Interior, if they meet the general naturalisation requirements.
Loss of nationality
Ghanaian nationals can renounce their nationality pending approval by the state. Naturalised persons may be denaturalised in Ghana for disloyalty to the state; committing crimes against the state or state security; or for fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment in a naturalization petition. Persons who previously had nationality and wish to repatriate if they lost their status because of dual nationality are permitted to naturalise.
Dual nationality
Dual nationality has been allowed in Ghana since 2000. To accommodate the needs of the African diaspora, under the Immigration Act of 2000, persons of African descent may apply for an indefinite right of abode and the right of return to Ghana from the Minister of the Interior. Persons who serve in public office or high administration in the diplomatic, judiciary, legislature, or security services are typically barred from holding other nationalities, and the president must be a Ghanaian by birth.