By Iddi Yire

Accra, Feb 18, GNA – Mr Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho, a former Speaker of Parliament was on Tuesday, elected as the Chairman of the Council of State by the 31-Member Council. 

His election took place prior to the Council’s inauguration by President John Dramani Mahama at the seat of Government in Accra. 

The 31-Member Council is made of four institutional representatives, 11 nominees of the President and 16 elected Regional Representatives. 

The Council of State was established by Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which states that “There shall be a Council of State to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.” 

Mr Adjaho on behalf of the Council assured the President that they would work as a team; declaring that “We will support you in the governance structure, in the discharge of our constitutional and statutory responsibilities”. 

He said it was true that many had questioned the relevance of the Council of State, as the President rightly pointed out in his remarks. 

Mr Adjaho said: “Some have even called for its abolition, but I want to assure you that this Council will be a Council of a difference”.  

He said fortunately, many Members of the Council were people he had come across in his public life, who were distinguished men and women in their own rights.  

He said but more importantly, he had hope in this country, and this hope was consistent with the President’s vision of empowering all manner of people, irrespective of their background. 

Mr President, I wish to report that we have three young men on this Council who are in their 30s, the youngest being 32 years,” the Chairman said. 

“So even as people are calling for its abolition, the youth seem to have some confidence in their Council. Mr President, you can count on us, day and night, we shall respond.” 

Mr Adjaho said they were aware that President Mahama had taken over the mantle of the country at a very difficult time; citing the debts of the country, the energy sector debts, and many, other challenges.  

He said in the discharge of their duties, they shall give the President the necessary advice so that he could weather the storm. 

Mr Adjaho reiterated that teamwork, consensus building, shall be their guidance.  

“Mr President, for those of us that you have appointed, we are most grateful that you have seen something in us, the 11 men and women that you appointed onto the Council, I want to assure you, we will not fail you,” Mr Adjaho said. 

“The institutional representation, in other words, those by virtue of the offices that they have held in the past, are people some of us have worked with in our public life, and I know they are men of repute.” 

Mr Adjaho reiterated the Council’s commitment to support the President and Ghana to succeed. 

GNA