Council of State advises Parliament against dual citizenship bill

The Council of State has advised the Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin not to proceed with the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to lift current restrictions on dual citizens holding public office.

The legislation, popularly called the dual citizenship bill, was endorsed by the Council during the eighth parliament. 

It however did not reach the consideration stage before that House was dissolved, prompting its reintroduction in the current parliament.

Speaker Alban Bagbin disclosed the development on Tuesday while reading a statement to the House.

 He said the Council raised constitutional questions about the proposed amendments.

According to the Speaker, the Council’s advice does not prevent Parliament from considering the Bill. 

He stressed that it is important for the issues raised to be properly interrogated, noting that the House has the constitutional power to amend aspects of the Constitution.

 He has referred the Council’s advisory opinion, together with his own guidance on the matter, to the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee for consideration and report.

The current Constitution bars dual citizens from holding certain public offices. The 2025 Amendment Bill seeks to remove those restrictions.

The Bill received backing from the Council of State in the previous parliament, but lapsed when the eighth parliament ended. Its reintroduction has reignited debate over citizenship, public service, and constitutional reform.

The Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee is expected to review the advisory and report back to the House for further action.

Report filed by PKB