Traditional leaders in the Upper West Region have called for sweeping constitutional reforms aimed at deepening local governance, enhancing inclusivity, and encouraging greater youth participation in national leadership. The proposals were presented during a regional consultation with the Constitutional Review Committee in Wa as part of the ongoing national effort to amend Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
A key highlight of the chiefs’ submissions was the call to reduce the minimum age requirement for presidential aspirants from 40 to 35 years, with an upper cap set between 75 and 80 years. Paramount Chief of the Pulima Traditional Area, Kuoro Osman Deiwia Nankpa III, made the case for the age revision by referencing the youthfulness of leaders like former President Jerry John Rawlings and France’s Emmanuel Macron, arguing that younger leaders bring energy and innovation to governance.
“We need to open the door to younger aspirants who can offer fresh perspectives. Ghana’s youth are capable, and we must not block their path to leadership,” Kuoro Nankpa said.
Beyond the presidency, the traditional authorities advocated for the direct election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), but on a non-partisan basis. They suggested synchronizing the DCE elections with either presidential and parliamentary elections to save costs, or aligning them with assembly and unit committee elections.
“This will strengthen local democracy and remove the divisiveness of partisan politics at the district level,” Kuoro Nankpa added.
The chiefs also proposed transforming the Council of State into a Senate or upper chamber of Parliament with elected and appointed members, including representatives from traditional authorities and minority groups. According to them, this would make the body more representative and inclusive in national decision-making.
Naa Seidu Braima, Paramount Chief of the Guli Traditional Area, went a step further, calling for the election of Regional Ministers — to be rebranded as “Regional Chief Executives” — to enhance local accountability.
“If they are elected by the people, they will be more responsive to local needs rather than serving the president’s political interests,” he said.
However, Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, raised practical concerns about resource control and political buy-in. He questioned whether Accra-based politicians would support a governance structure that limits their reach at regional and district levels.
The committee also noted proposals to replace the current 30% presidential appointees to district assemblies with a new system that reflects broader community representation.
Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, lauded President John Dramani Mahama for reviving the constitutional review process, saying it signals a commitment to democratic evolution and inclusive governance.
“The 1992 Constitution served us well, but after more than three decades, it’s only right that we align it with Ghana’s current social and political realities,” he said.
The consultations continue across the country, with citizens and stakeholders contributing to what could become Ghana’s most ambitious constitutional overhaul in decades.
