The Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr Hassan Ayariga, has called for a constitutional review to establish an age limit for appointing Ghana’s Chief Justice, proposing that candidates should be between 50 and 60 years old when appointed to the position.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Morning Show in Accra-Tema on Monday, October 19, 2026, Dr Ayariga said the appointment of a Chief Justice should take into account the candidate’s experience, maturity and the length of time the person is likely to serve before reaching the mandatory retirement age. He argued that appointing individuals close to retirement could result in short tenures, limiting their ability to introduce reforms and make a lasting contribution to the judiciary.
Dr Ayariga said appointing someone at the age of 59 or 60 could mean that the person serves for only a year or two before retiring. In his view, the country must consider whether such a short period is sufficient for a demanding position that requires strong leadership, sound judgement and a deep understanding of the law.
He maintained that the position requires more than academic qualifications, stressing the importance of judicial experience, knowledge of legal precedents, maturity and the ability to handle complex legal matters.
“Age doesn’t necessarily mean wisdom, and wisdom also doesn’t necessarily mean age,” he said, explaining that age alone should not determine a person’s suitability for the position. He argued, however, that the appointment process should ensure candidates have adequate experience and enough time to contribute meaningfully to the development of the judiciary.
The APC leader said appointing a Chief Justice at around 50 would provide a longer period in office to implement reforms, strengthen judicial administration and contribute to the development of Ghana’s legal system before retirement.
He also proposed that former Chief Justices and experienced legal practitioners should play an advisory role in supporting the serving Chief Justice. According to him, leadership should be open to guidance from people with considerable experience in the judiciary.
“Wisdom doesn’t lie in the head of one person,” he said, advocating a system in which former judicial leaders and other seasoned lawyers could share their knowledge to support the work of the Chief Justice.
Dr Ayariga extended the argument to national leadership, saying presidents and other public officials should be willing to consult people who have previously occupied similar positions. He said drawing on the experience of former officeholders could help improve decision-making and institutional performance.
He also questioned what he described as society’s tendency to place excessive importance on professional titles without adequately considering the practical contribution people can make after attaining them. He cited the example of a person who qualified as a lawyer at the age of 76, saying he had been told that the individual wanted to die with the title.
Dr Ayariga clarified that his proposal was not intended to disrespect older people but to encourage a review of age requirements for public offices that demand considerable time, energy and long-term commitment.
He called for clear constitutional provisions setting both a minimum appointment age of 50 and a maximum of 60 for the office of Chief Justice, arguing that the criteria would help ensure that appointments provide sufficient time for effective leadership and meaningful judicial reforms.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
