The Centre said any amendment affecting citizenship, allegiance and eligibility for public office should be preceded by broad stakeholder consultation and careful assessment of its long-term implications.  

The call was contained in a statement signed by Chief Icon Frank Papa Kwabena Kumi, Policy Strategist and Lead Director of the Centre, and copied to the Ghana News Agency.  

The statement described the Council of State’s position on the proposed legislation as “prudent and timely”, saying public policy should be assessed on the basis of its practical implications and long-term consequences rather than its theoretical appeal.  

It cited the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2006 (Act 699), also known as ROPAA, as an example of legislation whose implementation encountered legal, administrative, logistical and financial challenges.  

According to the Centre, that experience demonstrated the need for caution before introducing constitutional and legislative reforms whose practical outcomes remained uncertain.  

The statement acknowledged the contributions of Ghanaians with dual citizenship through remittances, investments, entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer and professional expertise.  

It, however, questioned why persons seeking public offices requiring exclusive allegiance could not renounce their foreign citizenship, as provided for under the Constitution.  

“The existing 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 Centre said the concerns that informed the framers of the 1992 Constitution, including divided allegiance, national and human security implications, conflicts of interest, diplomatic complexities and public accountability, remained relevant.  

It said the constitutional safeguards governing eligibility for certain public offices were intended to preserve national sovereignty, protect the public interest and ensure undivided loyalty to the Republic of Ghana.  

The statement urged Parliament to consider the broader national interest before proceeding with any amendment to the existing constitutional provisions on dual citizenship and eligibility for public office.