Ghanaian Youth Debate Appropriate Age for Presidential Candidacy

Accra: 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. According to Ghana News Agency, 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), emphasized that leadership should be determined by competence, vision, and integrity rather than age alone. He proposed 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. Mr. Anaman added tha t 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. Mr. Seadzi Seyram Andrews, a manager of Kenkey Hub at Ashaiman Official Town, supported this view, stating that 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. 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), acknowledged the advantages of youthful leadership but emphasized the importance of candidates having a deep understanding of the pres idency and its responsibilities. He cautioned that experience remained critical. Ms. Emmanuella Agblevor, also a UniMAC student, argued that 30 years was too young to assume the presidency, suggesting that individuals in their 30s were still learning and building maturity. She believed that 40 years would be a more appropriate age, as the presidency requires someone who is mature in almost every aspect of life.