2 MPs push for maximum age to contest parliamentary seat at 65 years

Two members of Parliament (MPs) have introduced a Private Members’ bill to amend Article 94 of the Constitution to set the maximum age requirement for contesting a parliamentary seat at 65 years.  

They are the National Democratic Congress MP for Salaga South, Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Brahimah, and the independent MP for Asante Akim North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong.

The object of the bill is to amend Article 94 of the Constitution to introduce the maximum age of 65 for qualification and eligibility as an MP and related matters.

The proposed bill seeks to modernise parliamentary eligibility standards in line with demographic realities, institutional performance consideration and democratic renewal principles.

“By introducing a reasonable maximum age requirement, Ghana will reinforce accountable governance while promoting intergenerational equity and sustainable political leadership,” they said.

The two MPs submitted a draft of the bill to the Clerk-to-Parliament on March 10 this year.

Policy rationale

The two MPs said that under the Constitution, Article 94 sets 21 years as the minimum age to qualify to be elected as an MP, but it does not provide a maximum age limit.

They said that while the Constitution ensures broad democratic participation, evolving governance demands, demographic shifts and public accountability considerations justify a review of eligibility standards to ensure alignment with contemporary national needs.

They said parliamentary duties require sustained physical stamina, cognitive agility and responsiveness to complex policy challenges, including digital transformation, climate change and global economic integration.

“A reasonable maximum age threshold will promote sustained performance standards in legislative duties, reduce risks associated with age-related incapacity and encourage structured leadership transition within Parliament.

“This aligns with international best practices in institutional capacity-building,” it said.

Promoting youth inclusion

With Ghana having a predominantly youthful population, Hajia Ibrahimah and Mr Frimpong cited national demographic trends which showed that a significant majority of citizens fell under the age of 35.

They, therefore, believed that introducing a maximum age requirement would create more opportunities for younger leaders, improve generational representation in Parliament and strengthen democratic legitimacy by aligning leadership demographics with population structure.

“This reform complements youth empowerment frameworks and national development strategies,” they said.

Policy rationale

The two MPs point out that healthy democracies depend on periodic leadership renewal.

And a maximum age would prevent indefinite occupation of parliamentary seats, encourage mentorship and succession planning, as well as foster innovation and adaptive governance.

“Institutional renewal is a recognised principle of democratic sustainability,” they said.