The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has rejected a proposal to allow Ghanaians who hold dual citizenship to contest parliamentary elections and serve as Members of Parliament while retaining their foreign citizenship.
The proposal is contained in recommendations by the Constitutional Review Committee that have been accepted by the government as part of proposed reforms to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
However, the TUC has described the recommendation as self-serving, arguing that it would serve no useful purpose for Ghana.
The union maintains that anyone seeking to serve in Parliament must demonstrate an undivided commitment to the country’s interests, sovereignty and national priorities.
Speaking to the press, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah said the union strongly disagreed with the recommendation to amend the constitutional provisions on dual citizenship and parliamentary eligibility.
“The TUC disagrees with the recommendation to amend Article 94(2) to allow U.S. citizens to contest parliamentary elections and become members of Parliament while remaining a citizen of another country,” he said.
“In fact, we characterize the recommendation as self-serving and a direct assault on genuine citizenship. It is contradictory and serves no useful purpose for the country,” Mr Ansah added.
The TUC’s position comes as the government considers a number of reforms proposed by the Constitutional Review Committee to amend aspects of the 1992 Constitution.
The union is urging authorities to maintain the existing constitutional restrictions on dual citizens seeking to serve in Parliament, citing the need to protect national interest and ensure full commitment to public service.
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