Former President John Dramani Mahama is calling for a ceiling for presidential candidates saying, aspirants should not be above 70 years before they are made president since they easily lose their thoughts.

In reaction to the statement, Dr. Abdul Jalilu Ateku, a political scientist at the University of Ghana says he supports the call by the former president since most leaders after 70 years fail to live up to expectations.

According to him, age is an important factor in leadership, particularly in Africa, saying most African leaders have outgrown their leadership age.

He was optimistic that the current mishap in the country is a result of old age.

“Look at Nana Addo of 1990, the vibrancy and tenacity, his vision then and the age and compare to today, things he could have done at the time is not the same today, there are so much he could have achieved back then but has to rely on people today, so yes age is very critical in leadership in Africa.

According to him, Ghanaian electorates should consider certain things, especially age, he said the African population is the youngest yet its political leaders are old age.

He shared the opinion that the opportunity should be given to young but competent leaders to take up the role of leadership.

According to the political expert, it's logical to choose a leader between 40 to 70 years.

“In my view constitution says 40 and above but candidly I think between 40 and 70 is the best, all those coming with over 70 years should be sent away.

President John Mahama who is staging a comeback was speaking in the United Kingdom at Chetam hall where he made the call to include the issue of gays and the presidency in Africa

But speaking to Omanhene on Sompa Tv, Dr. Abdul Jalilu Ateiku indicated it was time for the issue to be resolved for the country and Africa as a whole since there are records to point out that leaders above 70 are destined to fail in all cases.

Source//sompaonline.com//Eric Murphy Asare