The Trades Union Congress has outlined its stance on sweeping constitutional amendments in Ghana, demanding an immediate restriction on presidential influence over the Council of State while forcefully shutting down suggestions to let dual nationals enter Parliament.
As part of measures to render the consultative organ far more functional and aligned with the demands of the public, the labour organization is advocating for a restructured Council of State where the Head of State nominates a maximum of five representatives. The union maintains that the existing structure heavily favors executive picks, a situation that severely compromises the independence and functionality of the advisory panel.
Addressing newsmen on the matter, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah stressed that structural changes are vital if the constitutional institution is to fulfil its intended purpose.
“The Council of State remains a useful organ of state that must be reformed to be effective at meeting the expectations of citizens,” the TUC said.
He further argued that “the overwhelming dominance of presidential appointees on the Council is unhelpful.”
Consequently, the union is pushing for an overhaul of Article 89(2) of the 1992 Constitution to formally mandate that the total nominees chosen by the President “must not be more than five.”
In a related development, the organised labour body has firmly rejected recommendations aimed at allowing individuals holding dual allegiance to run for parliamentary office and serve as lawmakers without renouncing their foreign passports. The suggestion forms part of broad constitutional review proposals previously endorsed by the administration.
Expressing strong disapproval, the TUC labelled the idea as entirely self-serving, insisting that lawmaking requires complete and unreserved loyalty to the republic, its sovereignty, and its development agenda.
“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.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana