Meet some of Ghana’s youngest and oldest MPs in the 9th Parliament

As debates intensify over proposals to cap the age of parliamentary aspirants at 65, attention is shifting to the current age ranges of members in Ghana’s Parliament.

According to parliament.gh and data.ipu.org, Ghana’s Parliament still leans heavily toward older lawmakers, with a significant majority above 45 years, while only a small fraction falls below 40.

The renewed focus on age follows proposals by some lawmakers to cap the age of parliamentary aspirants, sparking a national debate about balancing experience with youth inclusion.

While older MPs bring institutional memory and governance experience, younger MPs are increasingly seen as critical to representing Ghana’s youthful population and driving innovation in policymaking.

Ghana’s 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic reflects a striking generational mix, with young and older lawmakers serving side by side.

Below is a list of some of the youngest and oldest MPs in Ghana’s 9th Parliament:

Eric Edem Agbana

Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana, is one of Ghana’s youngest MPs.

He was born on January 29, 1991. At just 35 years old, he has quickly emerged as a symbol of youth participation in Ghanaian politics.

He holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Science and two Master of Arts degrees from the University of Ghana. He has also undertaken further studies at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, and earned a certificate from the European University Institute in Italy.

Agbana’s political journey began with student leadership as President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Ghana. He later served as Deputy National Youth Organiser for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) before winning his parliamentary seat in 2024.

Known for his youthful energy, he actively champions education, youth empowerment, and innovation in policymaking.

Issah Atta

Issah Atta, Member of Parliament for the Sagnarigu Constituency in the Northern Region, is also among the youngest MPs, serving on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He was born on May 2, 1992, in Yendi.

He completed his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2011 at Business Senior High School in the Northern Region.

Issah Atta holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Ghana and a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

He also pursued studies in Chartered Accountancy at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ghana.

In the 2024 general elections, he contested for the first time and won the parliamentary seat with 44,530 votes, representing 74.37% of the total votes cast.

Vincent Ekow Assafuah

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Vincent Ekow Assafuah, born on September 27, 1990, is also one of the youngest serving Members of Parliament.

He represents the Old Tafo Constituency in the Ashanti Region on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Assafuah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), as well as a Master of Arts in Economic Policy and a Master of Science in Development Finance, both from the University of Ghana.

He also holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Central University and a Professional Law Certificate from the Ghana School of Law.

Bede Ziedeng

At the other end of the spectrum is Bede Anwataazumo Ziedeng, Member of Parliament for the Lawra Constituency in the Upper West Region.

Born on October 22, 1954, in Eremon-Lawra, he has built a distinguished career in law and public service, and is among the oldest MPs in Parliament.

The 72-year-old received his secondary education at Nandom Secondary School, where he obtained both his O-Level and A-Level certificates in June 1978.

He later pursued higher education at the University of Ghana, earning a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons) degree in September 1984.

He subsequently attended the Ghana Law School, where he qualified as a Barrister-at-Law in September 1986.

With his strong legal background, Ziedeng has made significant contributions to legislative work and governance, representing the people of Lawra and advocating for development in his constituency.

Patricia Appiagyei

Patricia Appiagyei, born on November 28, 1956, is a Ghanaian politician, a former Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, and the first female Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

She is the Member of Parliament for the Asokwa Constituency and serves on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

She is currently the Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament.

Appiagyei is also regarded as one of the more experienced and older MPs in the current Parliament.

Collins Dauda

Collins Dauda, Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, is among the oldest members of Ghana’s 9th Parliament.

He was born on February 13, 1957.

The 69-year-old began his professional career as a teacher after completing his education at Mim Senior High School.

He later entered politics through local governance, serving in the Asutifi District Assembly and as a member of the Consultative Assembly that drafted Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

Since first being elected to Parliament in 1992, Dauda has served multiple terms and held several ministerial positions, including Minister for Works and Housing.

His decades of experience and deep institutional knowledge have made him a respected mentor to younger colleagues and an influential voice in Parliament.

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