Don’t vote for 70-year-old leaders again – A Plus warns

Gomoa Central MP, Hon. Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has reignited debate on leadership age in Ghana’s politics, urging voters not to support presidential candidates around 70 years old, arguing that the country needs younger, more energetic leadership to drive development and reform.

In a strongly worded Facebook Live session, A-Plus defended his growing political activism and reiterated his intention to remain outspoken on national issues, saying he would continue to critique government performance for years while engaging constructively with local authorities such as those in Cape Coast.

He praised the Cape Coast Municipal Chief Executive for engaging him after earlier public comments, describing the move as evidence that dialogue can lead to practical collaboration in addressing local development challenges.

However, the MP’s comments quickly shifted into a broader national argument about governance and leadership renewal.

A-Plus criticised what he described as Ghana’s repeated pattern of electing older presidents, arguing that it limits innovation and slows down national progress. He insisted that leadership should reflect energy, urgency, and the ability to respond to modern challenges rather than long political experience alone.

He referenced Ghana’s recent political history, including the election of former President Nana Akufo-Addo at age 72, suggesting that the outcome of such leadership should guide future voter decisions.

According to him, Ghana risks repeating the same cycle if it continues to elect leaders of similar age brackets.

Drawing comparisons with other democracies, A-Plus pointed to countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, arguing that frequent leadership changes and institutional strength in those systems allow for more effective governance.

He maintained that Ghana needs a generational shift in leadership, insisting that younger leaders are better positioned to understand current economic realities and drive faster reform.

The comments, especially his call for voters to reject candidates around the age of 70, are expected to generate further political debate ahead of future elections, particularly on the role of age versus experience in national leadership.

Nana Prekoh Eric

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