By Esther Mateyko Kumah, GNA
Accra, Aug. 12, GNA – Ghanaian youth have expressed mixed views on the proposed reduction of the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35 years.
While some support the proposal, saying it would create opportunities for capable young people to contest the presidency, others believe maturity and experience are important for national leadership.
The views were expressed by some young people who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the proposed constitutional change and its implications for youth participation in governance.
The Constitutional Review Committee recommended that the minimum age for presidential candidates be reduced to 30 years. The Government, however, reviewed the recommendation and proposed 35 years.
Ms Salima Alhassan, a university student, described the proposed change as a good initiative, saying people at that age were youthful, well informed about issues affecting society and more engaged with concerns of the younger population.
She said greater youth participation in leadership could help bridge the gap between government and the younger generation.
Ms Richlove Asare, also a university student, said the change was timely, particularly at a period when technology was becoming an integral part of society.
She said young people actively engaged with technology and were able to express themselves and connect with others more effectively, adding that older people should create space for them to participate in leadership.
Madam Nuseadeli Vordzorgbe, a civil servant, said the country’s population was largely made up of young people and that giving them the opportunity to lead could have a positive impact on national development.
She cited Mr Edem Agbana, a young Member of Parliament from the Volta Region, as an example of a young person making an impact through public service.
Ms Joyce Amful, a service personnel, said the country’s population was dominated by the youth and that having younger people in leadership could lead to policies that directly addressed their concerns.
She, however, noted that older and experienced leaders could continue to guide the younger generation as they took up leadership responsibilities.
Mr Jesse Darko, a Senior High School graduate, said he was uncertain whether the youth, in general, were ready to take on the responsibility of leading the country.
He, however, believed there were responsible and visionary young people who were capable of providing effective leadership.
Darko said allowing young people to aspire to the highest political office could encourage them to conduct themselves responsibly and prepare for leadership.
Other respondents supported retaining the previous minimum age of 40 years, arguing that leadership required maturity and experience.
One respondent said rather than making young people leaders, they should be actively involved in decision-making processes while older people continued to provide leadership and guidance.
The respondent also stressed the need to maintain reverence for older people because of their experience and status in society.
Mr Elvis Kporyi, a service personnel, said allowing young people to lead could bring fresh ideas into the political system.
He, however, suggested that the youth should first be given greater opportunities to participate in decision-making before being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the country.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey