The Constitution Review Committee has recommended a major constitutional amendment to reduce the minimum age required to contest the presidency from 40 years to 30 years, a move aimed at expanding political participation and reflecting Ghana’s youthful population.
The proposal was announced on Monday, December 22, during the presentation of the Committee’s report by its Chairman, Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s constitutional framework.
According to Prof. Prempeh, the Committee is proposing an amendment to Article 62(b) of the Constitution to make younger citizens eligible to contest the highest political office in the country, seeking to remove age-based barriers that limit access to leadership opportunities.
Beyond eligibility reforms, the Committee has also suggested amendments to Article 68(5) to ensure that the salary, allowances, and facilities enjoyed by the President are subject to taxation, in line with applicable tax laws.
Under the proposal, the President would also be required to pay indirect taxes on goods and services, including import duties, on the same basis as all other citizens.
“The Committee recommends an amendment to clauses (1) and (2) of Article 71 to provide that the salaries and allowances and the facilities and privileges available to persons holding public office generally, including the President and the holders of the other offices listed under clauses (1) and (2), shall be determined by the proposed Independent Public Emoluments Commission,” he stated.
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