CRC Proposes 30 Years as the Age to Become Ghana’s President

The Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) has recommended lowering the minimum age for Ghanaian presidential candidates from 40 to 30 years, a move that could open the nation’s highest office to a younger generation of leaders. These recommendations were contained in the final report submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, which also proposed reforms on presidential taxation, emoluments, and post-office legal accountability, signaling potential major shifts in Ghana’s political and governance landscape.

Among the most notable proposals is the reduction in the minimum age qualification for presidential candidates. The Committee recommends amending Article 62(b) of the 1992 Constitution to allow 30-year-olds to contest the presidency, potentially reshaping Ghana’s political landscape by enabling younger leaders to assume the highest office.

The Committee also addressed tax obligations for the President. Under current law, the President enjoys exemptions from income and indirect taxes on salary, allowances, and benefits. The proposed amendment to Article 68(5) would make the President subject to income tax and indirect taxes, including import duties, on the same terms as all other citizens. Advocates of the reform argue this step promotes transparency and reinforces the principle that no one is above the law.

Regarding emoluments for public office holders, the Committee recommends establishing an Independent Public Emoluments Commission under amendments to Article 71. This body would determine salaries, allowances, facilities, and privileges for the President and other public office holders, reducing political influence in the setting of official pay and ensuring a standardized, impartial framework for remuneration.

Finally, the Committee proposed reforms to post-presidential immunities under Article 57(6). Current protections prevent most civil and criminal proceedings against former Presidents.

The Committee suggests allowing private civil suits to be initiated at any time, subject to applicable statutes of limitation, while criminal proceedings could be instituted within four years of leaving office. These measures would apply to acts committed in a former President’s personal capacity, before or during their term, aiming to enhance accountability and limit impunity.

 

 

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