TUC urges Mahama to keep constitutional reform discussions open

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is urging President John Mahama to maintain open discussions on proposed constitutional reforms, according to a report. Dr Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, Deputy Secretary-General of the TUC, spoke on Joy FM Top Story, explaining that the union intends to engage the President and members of the constitutional reform implementation committee to share its perspectives on certain recommendations.

The union is also planning to engage the chairperson and members of the implementation committee to persuade them to reconsider some of the proposals, as per Dr Otoo's statement. He emphasized that the ultimate aim should be to build a broad consensus around a reformed Constitution that enhances Ghana's democracy and supports the country's economic and social progress.

Dr Nyarko Otoo disagreed with the notion that allowing partisan political processes in local governance, such as mayoral elections, could undermine Ghana's unity. He pointed to examples from other African nations like Nigeria, Kenya, and Senegal, where partisan elections for local leaders have not led to national disunity. Dr Otoo argued that Ghana's democratic development should extend to grassroots levels, particularly in local governance, asserting that partisan local elections could deepen democracy and improve local administration effectiveness.

The TUC plans to continue dialogue with the government on the issue and is set to formally write to President Mahama to seek an audience.