The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has rejected a proposal by the Constitution Review Committee to allow persons with dual citizenship to be appointed to certain public positions in Ghana.
The TUC argues that the proposed amendment could undermine Ghana’s democratic development and raise concerns about accountability in the management of public affairs.
Speaking at a news conference in Accra on September 9, TUC Secretary-General, Joshua Ansah, said the union was firmly opposed to the proposal.
“We are against it totally. The recommendation is saying that if you are holding dual citizenship, you can be appointed to a position in this country, with the exception of the Vice President and the President. If we have a problem with the Vice President and President holding dual citizenship, then we also have a problem with those positions too,” Mr Ansah said.
He questioned why a person who holds citizenship in another country should be allowed to assume certain public positions in Ghana without meeting the same requirements applicable to political office holders.
“Because in the same Constitution, it says that if somebody wants to contest for any position, that person must resign one year before. So why should somebody in the US or UK just have two citizenships and come and hold a position here?” he asked.
Mr Ansah maintained that the principle should apply consistently across public offices, stressing that the TUC does not support the proposed relaxation of the restrictions on dual citizenship.
“I think that is not right, so we are against it,” he said.
TUC cautious on five-year presidential term
Meanwhile, the TUC has urged government to exercise caution in endorsing a proposal to extend Ghana’s presidential term from four to five years.
The union says such a significant constitutional change requires broad consultation and careful consideration to protect Ghana’s democratic gains.
The TUC’s concerns form part of its broader position on the recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee, which are expected to inform ongoing discussions on possible amendments to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
By Daniel Opoku
