Enough of ‘old men’ presidents in Ghana
Enough of 'old men' presidents in Ghana - Young people should take over - Martin Kpebu
Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu thinks that it is time for the younger generation to take up political leadership roles in Ghana.
To him, the country has had enough of ‘old men’ presidents in Ghana and it is time young people take over.
Speaking on TV3’s Saturday morning programme The Key Points [June 21], Mr Kpebu argued that the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should consider electing younger candidates to lead them in the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections.
He argued that the country’s progress is being held back by the continued recycling of ageing political figures.
He was reacting to news about the NPP’s plan to elect a new leader in early 2026 and the names that have popped up as interested candidates.
He said the time had come for fresh leadership with youthful energy and new ideas.
“Young people, it’s time for us to take over this country. Enough of the old men,” Mr Kpebu said.
He attacked the NPP’s proposal to elect a flag bearer first in January 2026 before tackling the election of new polling station, constituency, regional and national executives and described it as a top-down manipulation.
He also suggested that the internal moves to support Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s candidacy by some members of Parliament in the NPP side were designed to maintain the status quo rather than allow genuine competition.
According to Mr Kpebu, such tactics discourage broader party participation and stifle internal democracy.
“When you look at the way the party is pushing Bawumia forward, it signals that they want the grassroots to just play along. It’s a calculated attempt to preserve the system that benefits the elite,” he said.
Pushing forward his argument about younger generation taking over leadership, Mr Kpebu contended that Dr Bawumia in his early sixties, would be an unconvincing candidate in 2028, and possibly too old to lead by 2032. “Who wants a 69-year-old president in 2032? The Gen Z and Gen Alpha voters are not going to rally behind that,” he stated.
He warned that the NPP risks making the 2028 elections an easy win for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) if it fields Dr Bawumia again. “It would be a walk in the park for the NDC.”
