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The Government, led by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, has accepted in principle the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, including a proposal to reduce the minimum age qualification for the presidency from 40 to 35 years.
The recommendation, contained in the Government’s final White Paper, will require an amendment to Article 62(b) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
The move has been described as a reflection of contemporary democratic values and a recognition of the capacity of young Ghanaians to contribute to leadership at the highest level.
Reacting to the development, Council of State Member, Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, welcomed the decision, saying it challenges the long-held perception that age alone determines competence and judgement for public office.
Recalling his own experience, Mr. Kwamigah-Atokple said during his bid to represent the Volta Region on the Council of State, he faced arguments suggesting his age made him unsuitable for the institution established under Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution.
“The argument was largely rooted in the perception that the Council of State is an institution reserved for people of a certain age, where grey hair is almost regarded as a qualification for membership,” he noted.
He added that his candidature helped demonstrate that young people can bring valuable perspectives, experience and sound judgement to institutions of national importance. He noted that more young Ghanaians have since been encouraged to contest Council of State elections across the country.
“Do we want a democracy where young people are only encouraged to vote, campaign and support political activism, or one where they are entrusted with genuine responsibility in shaping the direction of the Republic? I believe the answer must be the latter,” Mr. Kwamigah-Atokple stated.
He emphasized that reducing the presidential age threshold does not mean every 35-year-old is automatically qualified to lead, but ensures that age alone does not unnecessarily close the door to capable citizens.
“Ghana has a youthful population, and our constitutional democracy must create sufficient space for the aspirations, ideas and leadership capabilities of the next generation,” he said.
Mr. Kwamigah-Atokple described the Government’s position as “a significant step” and expressed hope that the proposed reform will mark a turning point in how Ghana understands political leadership and participation.
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