Reduce presidential age from 40 to 30 – CRC

The Constitution Review Committee has proposed reducing the minimum age qualification for presidential candidates from 40 to 30 years.

The recommendation seeks to amend Article 62(b) of the 1992 Constitution and reflects growing public calls for generational inclusion in the country’s highest political office. The committee argues that Ghana’s youthful population is significantly underrepresented in executive leadership, despite being the largest demographic group.

In its report, the committee notes that many Ghanaians in their 30s already hold senior leadership roles in business, civil society, academia, and public administration, making the current age restriction increasingly difficult to justify.

“Youth engagement is central to the democratic future of the country,” the committee stated, adding that lowering the age threshold would align Ghana with evolving global democratic norms without compromising leadership quality.

The proposal does not guarantee younger presidents but removes what the committee describes as an “artificial constitutional barrier” that limits voter choice. Supporters believe the change could energize youth political participation and reduce political apathy among younger voters.

However, critics have raised concerns about experience, national maturity, and the demands of executive leadership, calling for robust civic education should the amendment process advance.

The recommendation forms part of a wider reform agenda covering executive authority, parliamentary governance, and accountability institutions, all aimed at modernising Ghana’s constitutional framework.

As with other proposals in the report, the age-reduction recommendation will require parliamentary scrutiny and extensive public consultation before any constitutional amendment can take effect.