Traditional leaders in the Upper West Region have proposed reducing the minimum age requirement for individuals seeking to contest the presidential election in Ghana. This proposal comes as the country embarks on reviewing the 1992 Republican Constitution to adapt it to the current demands of Ghana’s democratic framework.
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New Age Limit Proposal
The Upper West chiefs have suggested that the minimum age for presidential aspirants be set at 35 years, with a maximum age of 75 to 80 years. This recommendation was made by Kuoro Osman Deiwia Nankpa III, the Paramount Chief of the Pulima Traditional Area in the Sissala West District, during a Constitutional Review Committee meeting held in Wa. Kuoro Nankpa referenced the example of former President Jerry John Rawlings, who became president at a relatively young age and pointed to countries like France, where presidents have been elected under the age of 40.
Call for Non-Partisan Elections for DCEs by Upper West Chiefs
In addition to proposing a change in the minimum age for presidential candidates, the chiefs also recommended that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) be elected on a non-partisan basis. Kuoro Nankpa suggested that the elections for MMDCEs should either be held on the same day as the presidential and parliamentary elections to reduce costs or be scheduled concurrently with the elections for District Assembly Members and Unit Committee Members if decoupled.
Reform of the Council of State
Another proposal put forward by the chiefs was to reconsider the role of the Council of State. They suggested that it be transformed into an “upper chamber” or Senate, with some members elected and others appointed, including representatives from chiefs and minority groups to ensure broader inclusivity in the decision-making process.
Proposal for Elected Regional Ministers
Naa Seidu Braima, the Paramount Chief of the Guli Traditional Area, proposed that regional ministers be elected by the people and renamed Regional Chief Executives. He argued that elected regional ministers would be more accountable to the people of their region than to the president, thereby fostering better local governance.
However, Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, the Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, raised concerns about the potential sidelining of regions in resource allocation if regional ministers were elected. He questioned whether the political class in Accra would support such a model where there is no direct representation at the district and regional levels.
Maintaining Government Appointees in District Assemblies
The committee also discussed the possibility of preserving the 30 per cent government-appointed members in District Assemblies. However, these members would no longer be appointed by the government, marking a shift in the system.
Commendation for Constitutional Review
Mr. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister, commended President John Dramani Mahama for his “wisdom and foresight” in reviving the constitutional review process. He highlighted that while the 1992 Constitution was pivotal in restoring democratic governance after periods of political instability, Ghanaian society has now evolved to the point where a review is necessary to reflect the country’s progress over the past three decades.
The ongoing discussions and proposals reflect a broader movement toward refining Ghana’s democratic processes and governance structures, with an emphasis on inclusivity, better representation, and a more robust legal framework for the future.
