By Emmanuella Owusu
Ashaiman, Jan. 08, GNA – Some Ghanaian youths have expressed divergent opinions on the appropriate age for contesting the presidency, with some advocating lower age thresholds to reflect modern leadership realities.
Others were in favour of higher limits to ensure maturity and experience.
The youth who support the lowering of the presidential age argue that such a move would enable the youth, which is the country’s largest demographic part, to participate more actively in governance and national decision-making.
Mr John Anaman, a former executive of the Ghana Students Association in India (GHASAI), told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that leadership should be determined by competence, vision, and integrity rather than age alone.
Mr Anaman said he supported an age range of between 30 and 40 years, noting that maturity often developed within that bracket.
He argued that once a person attained adulthood under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, they should be trusted to both choose and contest for political leadership.
“The Constitution recognises an 18-year-old as an adult with full civic rights, including voting, working, paying taxes, and serving the nation. If such a person is deemed mature enough to elect a president, then they should also be trusted to contest for the office,” he said.
He added that lowering age barriers could help create space for younger leaders and prevent the political system from being dominated by older individuals who might no longer reflect the aspirations of the youth.
Sharing a similar view, Mr Seadzi Seyram Andrews, a manager of Kenkey Hub at Ashaiman Official Town, said today’s younger generation was significantly different from those of previous decades.
He noted that many people in their 30s were highly educated, technologically advanced, and globally exposed, adding that social and economic pressures had compelled young people to assume responsibilities earlier in life.
“Leadership capacity is no longer tied to age but to access, exposure, competence, and character. Ghanaians must move away from the mindset that only the elderly possess wisdom,” he said.
However, some respondents expressed reservations about lowering the age threshold from 40 to 30 years, as recommended by the Constitution Review Consultative Committee (CRCC).
Mr. Eyram Dugbazah, a student of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), said while youthful leadership had advantages, it was important for candidates to have a deep understanding of the presidency and the responsibilities attached to the office.
He said youthful leaders could help bridge the gap between the youth and those in power but cautioned that experience remained critical.
Ms. Emmanuella Agblevor, also a UniMAC student, said she believed 30 years was too young to assume the presidency, arguing that individuals in their 30s were still learning and building maturity.
“The presidency requires someone who is mature in almost every aspect of life. For me, 40 years is a more appropriate age,” she said.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Benjamin Mensah