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General News of Wednesday, 5 October 2016

Source: ultimatefmonline.com

We’ll change law on age for presidential candidates - GFP running mate

Patricia Mensah [R] with madam Akua Donkor Patricia Mensah [R] with madam Akua Donkor

The running mate to Madam Akua Donkor, Mrs. Patricia Mensah has hinted that a government under the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) will amend portions of the country’s constitution on the required age for presidential candidates.

The 32-year old farmer and Junior High School (JHS) drop out who is per the constitution not qualified to be selected as a running mate, insists her party on assumption of power will immediately expunge that clause in the law.

“We will change it. I know I am qualified and that is how come my mother Akua Donkor chose me as his running mate”, she told Kwame Adinkra on Abusua Nkomo.

According to her, it is not easy for one to attain 32 years even though the constitution does not allow for such person to be made a running mate.

“I cannot take someone’s age …that is my age and I am more than qualified to be a running mate. I knew that law existed so when we come into power it will be changed and put the sealing to 18 and above”, she said.

She maintained that once the law allows for citizens 18 years and above to vote in the country, it is also justifiable for anyone within that age brackets to lead the country as president or vice.

Article 60(3) of the 1992 constitution states, “The provisions of article 62 of this Constitution apply to a candidate for election as Vice-President.” Article 62 then adds, “A person shall not be qualified for election as the President of Ghana unless… (b) he has attained the age of forty years.”