Accra: Traditional leaders in the Upper West Region have proposed reducing the minimum age requirement for individuals contesting presidential elections in Ghana. This proposal comes as the nation begins the process to review its 1992 Republican Constitution.
According to Ghana News Agency, the chiefs suggested setting the minimum age at 35 and the maximum age between 75 and 80 for presidential candidates. Kuoro Osman Deiwia Nankpa III, the Paramount Chief of the Pulima Traditional Area, presented this idea during a Constitutional Review Committee meeting in Wa. He cited former President Jerry John Rawlings, who assumed office at a young age, and referenced countries like France where leaders have been elected under the age of 40.
The Constitutional Review Committee’s visit to the region aimed to gather recommendations for the constitution’s revision, ensuring it aligns with the current democratic needs of Ghana. Participants at the forum included youth-led organizations like Curious Minds Ghana, security agencies, Civil Society Organizations, the Regional House of Chiefs, and various state entities.
Kuoro Nankpa further advocated for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on a non-partisan basis. He proposed that these elections occur alongside presidential and parliamentary elections to reduce costs. Alternatively, he suggested aligning them with elections for District Assembly Members and Unit Committee Members on the same day.
Additionally, he proposed transforming the Council of State into an “upper chamber or a Senate,” where some members would be elected, and others would represent chiefs and minority groups, fostering inclusivity in decision-making.
Naa Seidu Braima, the Paramount Chief of the Guli Traditional Area, proposed electing regional ministers and renaming them as Regional Chief Executives. He argued that elected Regional Ministers would be more accountable to the local populace rather than solely to the president.
However, Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, expressed concerns that electing regional ministers might lead to unequal resource distribution. He questioned whether the political elite in Accra would support a model that lacks their representation at district or regional levels.
The Committee also noted suggestions to maintain the 30 percent government appointees to the District Assemblies, even if MMDCEs are elected, but recommended these appointees no longer be from the government.
Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, praised President John Dramani Mahama for reviving the constitutional review process. He stated this initiative reflects the president’s dedication to democratic consolidation, inclusion, and good governance. Mr. Puozuing emphasized that while the 1992 Constitution was pivotal in restoring democratic governance after periods of instability, Ghana’s society has evolved significantly in the past three decades, necessitating a constitutional review.