What is the role of the Council of State?
According to Article 89(1) of the 1992 Constitution, the Council of State is “to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.”
Who are the members of the Council of State?
The Council of State consists of:
(a) The following persons appointed by the President in consultation with Parliament
1. One person who has previously held the office of Chief Justice;
2. One person who has previously held the office of Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Ghana;
3. One person who has previously held the office of Inspector General of Police;
(b) The President of the National House of Chiefs;
(c) One representative from each region of Ghana elected, in accordance with regulations made by the Electoral Commission under article 51 of this Constitution, by an electoral college comprising representatives from each of the districts in the region nominated by the District Assemblies in the region; and
(d) Eleven other members appointed by the President.
How are regional representatives elected?
The election of regional representatives is conducted by the Electoral Commission on the first-past-the-post formula. Election of the Council of State is not open to the general voting public but through an Electoral College made up of two (2) representatives nominated by each District Assembly.
Who can contest as a candidate?
Any registered voter who is a citizen of Ghana and of sound mind, can contest as a candidate.
When and where will the elections be organised?
The elections will take place today Tuesday, 11th February 2025, at all regional capitals.
By: Andy Frimpong Manso
