ACSC Challenges Dual Citizenship Ban, Demands Security-Based Vetting
The Africa Centre for Security and Counterterrorism (ACSC) has argued that concerns over dual citizenship and national security must be addressed through proper vetting mechanisms rather than a blanket restriction on Ghanaians holding dual citizenship from occupying certain public offices.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Emmanuel Mawanye Kotin, the ACSC said loyalty to Ghana should be assessed through conduct, accountability and security clearance processes rather than determined by whether an individual holds another passport.
The Centre’s position follows the advisory opinion of the Council of State communicated to Parliament on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, recommending against the passage of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The Bill seeks to amend provisions of the 1992 Constitution to allow Ghanaians with dual citizenship to occupy certain public offices currently restricted to persons who do not owe allegiance to another country.
The ACSC acknowledged the constitutional mandate of the Council of State under Article 291(2) of the 1992 Constitution but stressed that the advisory opinion is not binding on Parliament.
According to the Centre, the debate surrounding dual citizenship must be guided by evidence and national interest rather than assumptions about divided loyalty.
“The framers’ concern was allegiance, but allegiance is tested by conduct, not by passport,” the statement said.
The ACSC explained that although the framers of the Constitution had legitimate concerns about divided loyalty, particularly regarding offices involving state secrets, national security and foreign policy, possession of a second citizenship does not automatically make an individual disloyal.
It argued that a Ghanaian citizen without dual nationality could still be compromised through financial influence, ideology or coercion, while a dual citizen could serve the country with full commitment.
The Centre pointed to existing security structures, including the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030), as mechanisms capable of supporting case-by-case vetting of individuals appointed to sensitive positions.
It further described the current constitutional restrictions as outdated, arguing that Ghana’s legal framework has evolved since the country formally recognised dual citizenship through the 1996 constitutional amendment to Article 8 and the Citizenship Act, 2000 (Act 591).
According to ACSC, the present system creates an inconsistency by recognising dual citizenship while limiting the rights of citizens who hold it.
The Centre also referenced recent legal disputes involving citizenship and parliamentary eligibility, including cases linked to the Bawku Central and Assin North parliamentary seats, arguing that the current framework has created constitutional tensions without necessarily improving national security.
The ACSC called on Parliament to continue examining the amendment bill and use the Council of State’s concerns as an opportunity to strengthen safeguards rather than abandon the reform.
It proposed a graduated security model where dual citizens could access representative and ministerial positions with appropriate disclosure requirements, while highly sensitive security roles could attract enhanced clearance procedures.
The Centre maintained that Ghana must reform its citizenship laws to reflect the country’s current realities while maintaining adequate national security protections.
“Allegiance must be earned, demonstrated and verified. It cannot be legislated by exclusion,” the ACSC stated.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
