Two Members of Parliament have initiated a Private Members’ Bill seeking to amend Article 94 of the 1992 Constitution to introduce a maximum age limit for candidates contesting parliamentary seats in Ghana.
The lawmakers are proposing that no person above the age of 65 should be permitted to contest for a seat in Parliament.
In a draft submitted to the Clerk to Parliament on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the two MPs noted that while the Constitution currently sets the minimum age for qualification at 21 years, it is silent on any maximum age requirement.
Ohene Kwame Frimpong, the MP for Asante Akyem North, and Ibrahimah Mohammed Zuwera, the MP for Salaga South, explained that although the absence of a maximum age limit promotes broad democratic participation, evolving governance demands and democratic shifts make it necessary to review the eligibility standards to align them with contemporary national needs.
The MPs stated that the main goal of the bill is to enhance legislative efficiency and capacity. They argued that parliamentary duties require sustained physical stamina, cognitive agility, and the ability to respond effectively to complex policy challenges, including digital transformation, climate change, and global economic integration.
According to the two lawmakers, a reasonable maximum age threshold would promote sustained performance in legislative duties, reduce risks associated with age-related incapacity, and encourage structured leadership transition within Parliament.
They added that the proposal also aligns with international best practices in institutional capacity building.
