Director of the Ghana Institute of Democracy, Dr. William Ahadzie says the practice where older people especially African leaders hold on to power is a threat to political stability and must be an issue of utmost concern.
He explained that when an individual stay in power for excess, they cease to be accountable, and hold down government.
Dr. Ahadzie again noted that these leaders become stumbling blocks for the young who aspire to pursue and develop their careers.
Sharing his thought with the media, he said such extensions in power is constitutionally inappropriate because policies invariably generated are engineered by faceless people who work to manipulate the system to their advantage.
” There is a certain tendency for a certain group of faceless people who essentially control the policy input and policy processes behind the scene. And so even though he is a figurehead and he’s old, there is a group of people who will manipulate the political process. it’s a matter of concern and indeed.
If there’s an excessive tenure extension for one person to remain in office for that long period they cease to be accountable because they manipulate the political system for their advantage,” Dr. Ahadzie said.
Meanwhile, Political Science Lecturer, at the University of Ghana Professor Ransford Gyampo observed that older persons within the African traditional settings served as wise councils but the narrative today has changed.
He said it’s about time African countries allowed the governance system to be taken over by young and dynamic persons who are vibrant and experienced to fight poverty.
The Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga, also expressing his views on an issue recently raised by former President Mahama, was of the view that age should not be a determining factor in choosing a political leader.
“It is clear once there’s an age requirement to contest there should also be a limited to the age of candidates whether in Ghana or any African countries.
And one must know that we have a constitution that says that we retire at age 60. now the most difficult work in this country is the first gentleman of our country.
I don’t think that African leaders should allow candidates or leaders to contest any presidential elections if the person has attained the age of 60,” He said.
