Christian Kwabena Andrews, widely known as “Osofo Kyiri Abosom,” founder and presidential candidate of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), has announced his intention to raise Ghana’s voting age from 18 years to 35 years if he is elected into office.
The GUM leader explained that this controversial measure is to ensure that voters have enough life experience and historical knowledge of Ghana’s political landscape before making critical electoral decisions.
“Those who are voting should have the benefit of seeing at least two or three different governments in power so they can make more informed choices,” Kyiri Abosom stated.
He argued that the current system has led to a lack of political insight among younger voters, who, he believes, are often swayed by longstanding narratives from the dominant NPP and NDC parties.
According to Kyiri Abosom, the political environment cultivated by these parties has left Ghana in economic and developmental disarray.
Kyiri Abosom’s stance on raising the voting age reflects his broader call for fundamental changes in Ghana’s political system.
He criticized both the NPP and NDC, accusing them of prioritizing self-interest over national progress.
He argued that young voters, especially those just turning 18, may not fully understand the impact of past administrations on the nation’s current state and could be led by partisan rhetoric rather than an informed understanding of the parties’ histories and actions.
Additionally, Kyiri Abosom believes that Ghana’s education system has failed to equip young people with the critical thinking skills needed to analyze political issues.
He pointed to what he called a “scam” of an educational framework that does not adequately prepare students for active civic engagement.
As part of his campaign promises, he plans to shift the country’s focus toward agricultural and industrial development, which he believes will create job opportunities and reduce youth dependence on the political system for economic relief.
Kyiri Abosom’s pledge to raise the voting age, while controversial, highlights his determination to break with the practices of past administrations.
He believes that a more experienced electorate could pave the way for a more thoughtful, responsible political environment in Ghana.
“GUM is ready to bring a real change to Ghana,” he declared, adding that his government would focus on empowering regional ministers, reducing the number of parliamentarians to streamline government, and scrutinizing the activities of public officials to prevent corruption.
