Accra: Three members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have petitioned the party's leadership to review what they describe as discriminatory age restrictions imposed on candidates seeking regional youth leadership positions. The petition challenges Provision 7.0(iv) of the party's 2026 election guidelines, which bars individuals above the age of 40 from contesting for the positions of Regional Youth Organiser and Deputy Regional Youth Organiser at the time nominations are filed.
According to Ghana Web, the petitioners argue that the restriction is unfair because similar age limits do not apply to youth organiser positions at the branch, constituency, or national levels within the party. The petition specifically quotes the guideline, stating, 'In the case of the Regional Youth Organiser and Deputy Regional Youth Organisers, aspirants shall not be more than 40 years of age at the time of filing his/her nomination.'
The members further argue that the provision contradicts the spirit of fairness and equality enshrined in Ghana's laws and the party's own constitution. They maintain that the NDC constitution does not prescribe any age ceiling for National Youth Organiser positions, making the interpretation of the guideline inconsistent.
Referencing Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, as well as the legal case 'Nartey v Gati,' the petitioners contend that the guideline amounts to unlawful discrimination. They are therefore calling on the party leadership to review and reconsider the provision ahead of the party's upcoming internal elections.