Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has advocated for the reconstitution of the Council of State, arguing that restructuring the advisory body could improve transparency and ensure higher quality in public appointments.
While acknowledging that the council comprises distinguished individuals, Mr. Kufuor noted that its operations are often conducted behind closed doors, limiting public insight into presidential decision-making. He expressed concern that advice offered to the president may be ignored without the public ever knowing.
To address this, he proposed establishing a “house of wisdom and experience,” including respected figures from key national institutions such as traditional authorities, the house of chiefs, religious organizations, trade unions, academia, and retired public servants in distinguished positions like former Chief Justice, former Inspector General of Police (IGP), and former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
In an interview, Mr. Kufuor suggested that the body should comprise 50 to 60 members tasked with publicly vetting nominees for key public offices to ensure merit-based appointments.
“When they sail through their vetting within such a body, publicly, then such a house should operate openly, I think we will get far better quality than we are getting so far,” he said.
He emphasized that the proposed chamber would function objectively, remain non-partisan, and provide guidance to temper democratic excesses while supporting informed national decision-making.
