Three members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are demanding a change to the party's rules. They want the age limit for running as a regional youth organiser to be removed. These members have submitted a formal petition to the party's leaders. They believe the current rule is unfair and unlawful.
The petition specifically targets Provision 7.0(iv) of the NDC's 2026 election guidelines. This rule states that anyone wanting to be a Regional Youth Organiser or Deputy Regional Youth Organiser must be 40 years old or younger when they apply. The petitioners point out that this restriction does not apply to youth organiser roles at other levels within the party. These include branch, constituency, and national positions.
This challenge comes at a sensitive time for political parties in Ghana. Internal elections are crucial for shaping party leadership and strategy. The NDC is preparing for its internal polls in 2026. The petitioners' main argument rests on Ghana's 1992 Constitution, which promotes equality. They cite Article 17 of the constitution. This article forbids unfair discrimination based on certain grounds. The petitioners believe the age limit unfairly stops older, experienced members from serving. It could also alienate younger members who might have valuable contributions but are just over the age limit.
The NDC petitioners are using legal precedents to support their claim. They reference the case of “Nartey v Gati.” This court case discussed principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. The petitioners feel the party's guideline goes against these fundamental legal ideas. They stated that the NDC's own constitution does not set an age limit for the National Youth Organiser. This lack of a clear rule in the party's highest law strengthens their argument that the guideline is an arbitrary addition.
The petitioners are urging party leaders to act swiftly. They want the age restriction reviewed and potentially changed before the party's internal elections begin. Failure to address this could lead to legal challenges and internal disputes. It may also impact the quality and diversity of leadership within the NDC's youth wing. The party's response will set a precedent for future rule-making. It will also show how seriously the NDC takes constitutional matters and fairness in its internal processes.