The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has rejected a proposal by the Constitution Review Committee to allow Ghanaians with dual citizenship to hold certain public offices, arguing that the move could raise concerns about accountability and public service.
TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah said the union was firmly opposed to relaxing the current restrictions on dual citizens holding public office.
Speaking at a news conference in Accra on Wednesday, September 9, Mr Ansah questioned why a person who retains citizenship of another country should be allowed to occupy certain public positions in Ghana when similar restrictions apply to political office holders.
“We are against it totally,” he said, referring to the committee’s recommendation, which would allow dual citizens to occupy some public positions, while maintaining the restriction on the President and Vice President.
He argued that the principle should be applied consistently across public offices, pointing to constitutional provisions requiring individuals seeking certain political positions to meet specific eligibility conditions.
“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 TUC did not support the proposed amendment, stressing that the union considered the current restrictions important to public accountability.
“I think that is not right, so we are against it,” he said.
On another major proposal, the TUC called for caution over plans to extend Ghana’s presidential term from four years to five years.
The union said such a significant constitutional change should not be rushed and must be subjected to broad public consultation and careful consideration.
The TUC’s position forms part of its broader response to the recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee, which are expected to guide discussions on possible amendments to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
