The PALI Centre for Transformative Society has thrown its support behind the Council of State’s position on the proposed Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill, urging Parliament to exercise caution before proceeding with any changes to existing constitutional provisions governing public office eligibility.
In a statement addressed to editors and media organisations, the policy think tank said it welcomed the counsel offered by the Council of State on the bill, as communicated by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on July 7, 2026.
The Centre described the Council’s position as both prudent and timely, arguing that public policy reforms should be judged not only by their intentions but also by their practical implications and long-term consequences.
According to the PALI Centre, Ghana’s experience with the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2006 (ROPAA), demonstrates the need for caution when introducing constitutional and legislative reforms whose implementation challenges may not be immediately apparent.
The organisation noted that although ROPAA was enacted to extend voting rights to Ghanaians living abroad, legal, administrative, logistical and financial challenges have hindered its full implementation for more than two decades.
While acknowledging the significant contributions of Ghanaians with dual citizenship to national development through remittances, investments, entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer, the Centre questioned the need to amend constitutional provisions requiring exclusive allegiance for holders of certain public offices.
It argued that individuals who wish to occupy such positions can voluntarily renounce their foreign citizenship to satisfy existing constitutional requirements.
The statement was signed by Chief Icon Frank Papa Kwabena Kumi on behalf of the PALI Centre for Transformative Society
“The current constitutional provisions do not permanently exclude dual citizens from public service.
Rather, they require a clear demonstration of exclusive allegiance before assuming certain sensitive public offices,” the statement said.
The PALI Centre maintained that concerns about divided allegiance, conflicts of interest, national security implications, diplomatic considerations and public accountability remain relevant in today’s increasingly interconnected world.
It stressed that restrictions on eligibility for certain public offices should not be viewed as discriminatory but rather as safeguards intended to protect national sovereignty and ensure that holders of strategic offices owe undivided loyalty to Ghana.
The organisation called for broad stakeholder consultations and careful consideration of the long-term constitutional, governance and national security implications of any proposed amendment relating to citizenship and public office eligibility.
The PALI Centre therefore urged Parliament to place the national interest at the centre of deliberations on the proposed legislation.
