The Trades Union Congress has rejected a recommendation to permit Ghanaians who hold dual citizenship to contest parliamentary elections and serve as Members of Parliament without relinquishing their citizenship of another country.
TUC Secretary General Joshua Ansah disclosed the union’s opposition to the proposed amendment to Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, arguing that the recommendation raises serious concerns about the meaning and obligations of Ghanaian citizenship.
The Constitution Review Committee had proposed an alteration to the constitutional provision that would enable dual citizens to seek election to Parliament and subsequently serve as lawmakers while maintaining their citizenship in another country.
However, Mr Ansah said the TUC firmly disagreed with the proposal, describing it as “self serving” and arguing that it could undermine what he characterised as genuine citizenship and national commitment.
“The TUC disagrees with the recommendation to amend Article 94(2)(a) to allow dual citizens to contest parliamentary elections and become members of Parliament while remaining a citizen of another country,” he stated.
He further maintained that the proposed constitutional modification was inherently contradictory and questioned whether it would genuinely advance the national interest.
“In fact, we characterize the recommendation as self serving and a direct assault on genuine citizenship,” he added.
The TUC’s position forms part of its wider evaluation of the Constitution Review Committee’s proposals as well as the government’s position on the suggested constitutional reforms.
The union has consequently advocated for a broader and more participatory consultation process, insisting that significant stakeholders, including the opposition, should be meaningfully incorporated into deliberations concerning the future direction of Ghana’s constitutional framework.
According to the TUC, the reform exercise should be guided principally by the protection of Ghana’s national interests, while simultaneously reinforcing democratic institutions, constitutional accountability and effective governance.
The union’s objection therefore places the question of dual citizenship and eligibility for parliamentary office among the more contentious issues likely to feature prominently in the ongoing national debate over constitutional reform.
