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: “There shall be a Council of State to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.”
The Council of State should include a former Chief Justice of Ghana, a former Chief of the Defence Staff and a former Inspector General of Police and the President of the National House of Chiefs. Each region of Ghana also has an elected representative. The President of Ghana also appoints eleven members. Members stay in office until the term of office of the president ends.
The council is required to meet four times a year. It can also meet if requested by the President of Ghana, the Parliament of Ghana or by at least five sitting members of the council. There should be more than half the members of the Council at a meeting to form a quorum. Decisions of the council are valid if voted for by the majority of members present at the meeting. The Council regulates its own procedures subject to the provisions of the Ghana Constitution.
Read Also >>> THE 1992 CONSTITUTION OF THE FOURTH REPUBLIC OF GHANA
The Current Membership
The current membership was sworn in by President Nana Akufo-Addo on 23 February 2021 at the Jubilee House. The vacant position reserved for former Chief Justice of Ghana was filled following the appointment of Georgina Theodora Wood following her retirement.
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, pursuant to Article 89(2) of the Constitution, has appointed the following eleven (11) persons to the Council of State:
1. Nana Otuo Siriboe II, Juabenhene
2. Archbishop Justice Ofei Akrofi
3. Mr. Sam Okudzeto
4. Mr. Stanley Blankson
5. Prof. Ato Essuman
6. Alhaji Aminu Amadu
7. Dr. Margaret Amoakohene
8. Mrs. Georgina Kusi
9. Mrs. Alberta Cudjoe
10. Kuoro Richard Babini Kanton VI
11. Alhaji Sule Yiremiah
The President, subject to consultation with Parliament, has also appointed, in accordance with Article 89(2)(a)(i)(ii) and (iii), Georgina Theodora Wood, a former Chief Justice, Lt. Gen. J.B. Danquah, a former Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces, and Nana Owusu Nsiah, a former Inspector General of Police, to the Council. The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, is ex-officio a member of the Council, in furtherance of Article 89(2)(b).
The composition of the Council will be complete with the election, due to be held on 12th February 2021, of the regional representatives, in accordance with Article 89(2)(c).
Eugene Arhin
Ag. Director of Communications
Office of the President
