The PALI Center for Transformative Society has supported the Council of State’s position on the proposed Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill, describing its counsel as prudent and timely.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the public policy think tank urged Parliament to carefully consider the broader national interest before proceeding with any constitutional changes regarding dual citizenship and eligibility for public office.
The PALI Center noted that while the proposed amendment may appear attractive in principle, public policy must be assessed not only by its theoretical appeal but also by its practical implications and long-term consequences.
“While the proposed amendment may appear attractive in principle, public policy must ultimately be assessed not merely by its theoretical appeal but by its practical implications and long-term consequences,” the statement read.
The think tank cited the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2006 (Act 699), commonly known as ROPAA, as a cautionary example.
The Act, which was enacted to extend voting rights to Ghanaians abroad, has faced legal, administrative, logistical and financial challenges that have prevented its full implementation for more than two decades.
The PALI Center acknowledged the significant contributions of Ghanaians with dual citizenship to national development through remittances, investments, knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship and professional expertise. However, it raised questions about the need for individuals seeking strategic public offices to demonstrate undivided allegiance to Ghana.
“If an individual genuinely desires to occupy a public office that requires undivided allegiance to the Republic of Ghana, what prevents that individual from voluntarily renouncing his or her foreign citizenship, as currently required under the Constitution, in order to satisfy the eligibility criteria?” the statement questioned.
The statement emphasised that existing constitutional provisions do not permanently prevent dual citizens from serving the country but require a clear demonstration of exclusive allegiance before assuming sensitive public offices.
It further noted that concerns about divided allegiance, national and human security implications, conflicts of interest, diplomatic complexities and public accountability, which informed the framers of the 1992 Constitution, remain relevant in today’s interconnected world.
The PALI Center described constitutional safeguards as “deliberate mechanisms designed to preserve national sovereignty, protect the public interest, and ensure that holders of strategic constitutional offices owe undivided loyalty to the Republic of Ghana.”
While expressing support for broader national dialogue on constitutional reform, the think tank urged Parliament to approach any amendment with caution, extensive stakeholder consultation and a clear understanding of its long-term implications.
“The PALI Center for Transformative Society therefore aligns itself with the Council of State’s counsel and urges Parliament to carefully consider the broader national interest before proceeding with any amendment to the existing constitutional provisions on dual citizenship and eligibility for public office,” the statement added.
Also read:
Read the full statement below:
