Parliament has ratified the African Youth Charter, with a call on the Constitutional Review Commission to take note of some of its provisions, and consider reviewing the age limit for presidency in Ghana to at least 35 years. The reason is that the Charter has pegged the age definition of youth between 15 and 35 years. Meanwhile, article 62(b) of the 1992 Constitution places the age limit for presidency at 40 years. The Charter aims at providing the political framework for youth development on the continent, and seeks to actively involve the youth in the development process. Contributing to the motion, the Minority Spokesperson for Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah, stated that the numbers in the House were not good enough for it to consider such a motion which concerns the youth. He said when it comes to matters that affect the youth, members of the House do not take it serious. "As Parliament, we should be seen to be more interested in setting up policies that would better the lot of the Ghanaian youth, which is very disheartening." Mr. Asiamah hinted that the youth policy does not incorporate the generality of the youth of this country. The Committee on Youth and Sports, in its report, said the ratification of the Charter would ensure the commitment of member states to the development of the youth, and also guarantee adequate and effective participation of the youth in the running of decision-making institutions in the country. The Charter provides for the encouragement of the youth to actively participate in the democratic process, to enhance their commitment to the consolidation of democracy in Ghana, and on the African continent. The Committee observed that in ratifying the Charter, African countries would increase the commitment towards making resources available to public institutions in Ghana, established to promote youth activities. The Committee urged the Ministry and its agencies to ensure that the Charter, if ratified, should not be treated as a mere reference document by policy makers and civil society. The Ministry should ensure that adequate education and vigorous implementation of its provisions are reflected in the activities of all the various MDAs." The Youth Charter also emphasises the preservation of basic rights afforded to the youth, which include the right of development, privacy, protection of family and property, freedom of movement, expression, association, freedom of discrimination based on race, sex, religion or beliefs. Source: Chronicle