Basic 7 · Social Studies · CITIZENSHIP AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Citizenship and the Rights of Citizens
In this topic you will explain the meaning of citizenship, describe how a person becomes a citizen of Ghana and examine the rights of citizens under the 1992 Constitution.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of citizenship
- Describe the ways of becoming a citizen of Ghana
- Explain the rights of citizens and their importance
What you already know
- Self-identity and nationality
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- LAW AND ORDER
- Sub-strand
- CITIZENSHIP AND HUMAN RIGHTS
- Indicator
- B7.4.1.1.1 – Examine the value of citizenship in nation building
Introduction
When the national anthem is played and you stand proudly, you show that you belong to Ghana. Citizenship is this legal belonging to a nation, with rights and responsibilities.
1. Meaning of Citizenship
Citizenship: The legal status of being a member of a country, which gives a person rights and requires them to perform duties.
Citizen: A person who legally belongs to a country.
2. Ways of Becoming a Citizen of Ghana
| Way | Meaning |
|---|---|
| by birth | a person born in or outside Ghana with at least one parent or grandparent who is a Ghanaian citizen |
| by registration | a person married to a Ghanaian, or certain others, can apply to be registered as a citizen |
| by naturalisation | a foreigner who has lived in Ghana for a long time, can speak a Ghanaian language and is of good character can apply |
| by adoption | a child under 16 adopted by a Ghanaian citizen |
3. Symbols of Citizenship
National symbols unite citizens. The flag, designed by Theodosia Okoh, has red for the blood of those who fought for independence, gold for the nation's mineral wealth, green for its forests and farms, and a black star for African freedom. The coat of arms, the national anthem and the pledge are other national symbols.
4. Dual Citizenship
The 1992 Constitution, as amended in 1996, allows Ghanaians to hold the citizenship of another country as well. A Ghanaian living abroad can therefore keep Ghanaian citizenship. However, some high public offices are restricted to people who do not hold dual citizenship.
5. Good Citizenship
Being a citizen is not only about having a Ghana Card or passport. A good citizen loves the country, obeys its laws, respects others and contributes to its development. Citizenship is shown in everyday actions such as keeping the environment clean and helping neighbours.
New words
- citizenship
- Legal membership of a country.
- naturalisation
- Becoming a citizen after living in a country for a long time.
- registration
- Becoming a citizen by applying, for example through marriage.
- dual citizenship
- Holding the citizenship of two countries.
Summary
- Citizenship is legal membership of a country, bringing rights and duties.
- Ghanaian citizenship can be acquired by birth, registration, naturalisation or adoption.
- National symbols such as the flag unite citizens, and good citizenship is shown in daily actions.
Class activity: Citizenship Cards
- Read short case studies of people seeking Ghanaian citizenship.
- Decide which way of acquiring citizenship applies to each.
- Present and explain your decisions.
You need: Miniature Ghana flag, Copy of the 1992 Constitution, Sample Ghana Card
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A person who legally belongs to a country is a…
- A. citizen
- B. tourist
- C. visitor
- D. refugee only
Show answer
Answer: citizenLegal member.2. A foreigner who lives in Ghana for a long time and applies to be a citizen is acquiring citizenship by…
- A. naturalisation
- B. birth
- C. adoption
- D. marriage only
Show answer
Answer: naturalisationLong residence.3. The gold colour on the Ghana flag represents mineral wealth.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueGold, bauxite and others.4. Holding the citizenship of two countries is ______ citizenship.
Show answer
Answer: dualTwo countries.5. State four ways of becoming a citizen of Ghana.
Show answer
Answer: Birth, registration, naturalisation, adoption.All four.6. Explain the meaning of the colours of the Ghana flag.
Show answer
Answer: Red: blood of freedom fighters; gold: mineral wealth; green: forests and farms; black star: African freedom.Symbolism.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- LAW AND ORDER
- Sub-strand
- CITIZENSHIP AND HUMAN RIGHTS
- Indicator
- B7.4.1.1.1 – Examine the value of citizenship in nation building
Introduction
As citizens, we have rights that protect our lives, freedom and dignity. The 1992 Constitution guarantees these rights for all people in Ghana.
1. What Are Rights?
Rights: Freedoms and benefits that a person is entitled to by law.
Chapter Five of the 1992 Constitution sets out the fundamental human rights and freedoms of every person in Ghana. These rights are protected by the courts and by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
2. Some Rights of Citizens
| Right | Meaning |
|---|---|
| right to life | no one shall be deprived of life unlawfully |
| right to personal liberty | no one shall be arrested or detained without lawful reason |
| right to education | all persons have the right to equal educational opportunities |
| freedom of speech and expression | people may express their opinions, including through the media |
| freedom of religion | people may practise any religion |
| freedom of association | people may form and join groups and political parties |
| freedom of movement | people may move freely within Ghana |
| right to own property | people may own land and other property |
| right to vote | citizens aged 18 and above may vote in elections |
| children's rights | children have the right to care, protection and education |
3. Rights Have Limits
Rights are not unlimited. One person's rights must not violate the rights of others. For example, freedom of speech does not allow a person to tell lies that damage another person's reputation or to incite violence. Rights may also be limited to protect public safety, health and morality.
4. Protecting Rights
Citizens whose rights are violated can seek help from the police, the courts, CHRAJ, the Department of Social Welfare (for children) and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU). Knowing your rights helps you to protect yourself and others.
5. Rights and Responsibilities Go Together
Every right comes with a responsibility. If you have the right to education, you have the responsibility to attend school and learn. If you have freedom of speech, you have the responsibility to speak truthfully and respectfully. The next lesson explores the responsibilities of citizens.
New words
- right
- A freedom or benefit protected by law.
- CHRAJ
- The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice.
- liberty
- Freedom.
- violate
- To break or go against a right or rule.
Summary
- Rights are freedoms and benefits guaranteed by law, especially in Chapter Five of the 1992 Constitution.
- They include the rights to life, liberty, education, free speech, religion, association, movement, property and voting.
- Rights have limits, are protected by institutions such as CHRAJ and come with responsibilities.
Class activity: Rights Matching
- Read short situations involving rights.
- Decide which right is involved and whether it has been respected or violated.
- Suggest where the affected person could seek help.
You need: Miniature Ghana flag, Copy of the 1992 Constitution, Sample Ghana Card
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. At what age can a Ghanaian citizen vote?
- A. 18
- B. 12
- C. 15
- D. 21
Show answer
Answer: 18Voting age.2. Fundamental human rights are found in which chapter of the 1992 Constitution?
- A. Chapter Five
- B. Chapter One
- C. Chapter Ten
- D. Chapter Twenty
Show answer
Answer: Chapter FiveHuman rights.3. Rights have limits.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueMust not violate others' rights.4. To break or go against a right is to ______ it.
Show answer
Answer: violateInfringe.5. State four rights of citizens in Ghana.
Show answer
Answer: Right to life, education, freedom of speech, freedom of religion (or vote, property).Any four.6. Explain why freedom of speech has limits.
Show answer
Answer: Speech must not spread lies that harm others or incite violence, because it would violate other people's rights and public safety.Limits.
Homework
- Find out the work of CHRAJ and write a short report.