Accra, Ghana – Delegates at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Delegates Conference on Saturday, July 19, overwhelmingly voted down a motion seeking to redefine the age limit for youth within the party’s constitution.
In a loud and unified voice vote held at the University of Ghana Stadium, the delegates shouted a resounding “NO” to Motion 54, which proposed an amendment to Article 15(4) of the NPP Constitution. The motion aimed to redefine “youth” as a party member “not above the age of 35 years.”
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The Proposal and Justification
The motion was presented by Frank Davies, Chairman of the NPP Constitutional Amendment Committee, who argued the move was to bring the party’s definition of youth in line with international and national standards.
“Motion 54: Amend Article 15(4) of the NPP Constitution by defining youth to refer to a member who is not above the age of 35 years,” Mr. Davies stated.
Backing the proposal, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, referencing global youth definitions, noted:
The United Nations (UN) defines youth as individuals between 15 and 24 years.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers youth to be 15 to 29 years.
UNICEF aligns with 15 to 24 years.
The African Youth Charter sets youth between 15 and 35 years.
Ghana’s own National Youth Authority Act, 2016 (Act 939) defines youth as individuals between 15 and 35 years.
Delegates’ Verdict: Maintain Status Quo
Despite the compelling rationale, the delegates firmly rejected the motion without the need for a formal headcount.
“The ‘No’ has it,” Chairman Frank Davies confirmed. “We revert to the status quo, which puts the age of youth at not above 40 years.”
This decision preserves the current constitutional definition, allowing NPP members up to age 40 to be part of the party’s youth wing, maintaining the positions of many current youth leaders.
Context and Conference Highlights
The National Delegates Conference, themed “Rebuilding Together with our Values,” brought together over 5,500 delegates to deliberate on over 50 motions derived from more than 300 constitutional amendment proposals submitted nationwide.
The event is seen as a pivotal moment for the NPP as it seeks to rebuild, rebrand, and reconnect with its grassroots supporters following its 2024 electoral defeat.
source: citinewsroom
