By Iddi Yire
Accra, Feb 18, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has in accordance with Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution inaugurated a 31-Member Council of State.
The new Council of State is under the Chairmanship of Mr Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho, a former Speaker of Parliament.
The Council of State in Ghana is a small body of prominent citizens, analogous to the Council of Elders in the traditional political system, which advises the President on national issues.
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.”
The 31-Member Council of State is made of five institutional representatives nominated by the President, 10 other nominees of the President; and 16 elected Regional Representatives from each of the 16 Regions of Ghana.
The institutional nominees of the President are Mr Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho, a former Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Council of State.
The rest are Justice Sophia Akuffo, a former Chief Justice, Mr Mohammed Ahmed Al Hassan, a former Inspector General of Police, Air Marshal Michael Samson (rtd), a former Chief of Defence Staff and Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi, President of the National House of Chiefs.
Others are Daasebre Boamah Darko, Chief of Akyem Kukuratumi, Osabarima Kwesi Attah II, Paramount Chief Oguaa Traditional Area, Justice Vida Amankwanua Akoto-Bamfo, a retired Supreme Court Judge, Mankpanwura Jakpa Achor-Ade Borenyi I, Paramount Chief of Mankpan Traditional Area in the Savannah Region, Mr Cletus Apul Avoka, a former Member of Parliament (MP) Zebilla.
The rest are Dr Eunice Brookman-Amissah, a former Minister of Health, Mrs Betty Mould Iddrisu, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Madam Cynthia Komley Adjetey from Greater Accra, Mrs Molly Anim Addo, a former Ambassador, and Nana Saa Gyamfuaa II, Queen Mother of Ayima Traditional Area.
The 16 elected Regional representatives are Mr Maxwell Boakye, Western, Mr Hakeem Addae, Central, Nene Drolor Boso Adamtey I, Greater Accra, Mr Gabriel Adovoe Kwabla Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, Volta, Madam Evelyn Korang, Eastern, and Mr Michael Addo, Western North.
Others are Mr Yaw Okyere, Ahafo, Dr Kusi Boachie Yiadom, Bono, Mr Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V, Bono East, Mr Richard Kings Atikpo, Oti, Alhaji Muhammed Mumuni, Northern, Mr Abudu Seidu Sampson, Savannah, Mr Michael Kwame Mumuni, Upper West, Mr Thomas More Ditundini Adaili, Upper East, Naa Saaka Abuba, North East and Mr Yaw Owusu, Obimpeh, Ashanti Regions.
President Mahama in his address said the day marked another significant step in Ghanaians’ collective commitment to the democratic ideals of governance and development.
He said the framers of the 1992 Constitution in their wisdom envisioned a governance structure that balanced authority with sound counsel, power with prudence and leadership with wisdom.
He noted that it was in this spirit that the Council of State was established to serve as a reservoir of experience, a fountain of guidance and a bastion of non-partisan insight for the executive arm of government.
“The Council of State as a distinguished advisory body is composed of men and women of integrity, experience and sound judgment. Your role is not merely ceremonial, it is one of profound responsibility,” the President said.
“You are expected to offer wise counsel on matters of governance, policy and national development, drawing from your diverse backgrounds and experience.
“The times we find ourselves in demand nothing less than selfless service, constructive dialogue and unwavering patriotism.”.
He said the nation faces complex challenges, including economic distress, social cohesion issued and the need to strengthen Ghanaians’ democratic institutions.
President Mahama said in addressing these issues, the Council’s voices must be heard not in mere rhetoric, but in insightful, actionable and transformative guidance that would propel the nation forward.
“As you take your oath of office today, I urge you to be guided by the principles of integrity, objectivity and, above all, the national interest,” the President said.
“Let your deliberations be marked by sincerity, your advice be rooted in wisdom and your service be inspired by the supreme welfare of the people of Ghana.”
The President drew attention to the heightened expectations of all who served in public office; adding that Ghanaians had indicated their revulsion for poor governance and have come to expect nothing short of quality administration of their affairs.
“In recent times, the Council of State has come under criticism from an expectant public who perceive their work as unsatisfactory and merely one designed to rubber-stamp executive decisions,” he said.
“Some have even questioned the very relevance of the Council of State and called for it to be scrapped.”
The President said he holds out hope that their tenure as Council of State members would convince those who might doubt their functional necessity about their importance and put to rest any such perceptions.
The President on behalf of Ghanaians, congratulated Members of the Council on their new appointment.
“I am confident that with your collective wisdom, we will continue to build a nation that upholds justice, progress, freedom and unity,” he stated.
Mr Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho, the Chairman of the Council of State, 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”.
GNA
