A total of 153 candidates from all 16 regions of Ghana have filed their nominations to contest in the Council of State elections, set to take place today, February 11.
These highly anticipated elections play a crucial role in Ghana’s governance structure, as they will determine regional representatives who will advise President John Dramani Mahama on key national matters.
According to the Electoral Commission (EC), the race consists of 143 male candidates and 10 female candidates, highlighting a notable gender disparity. While the number of women remains low, their participation is seen as a step toward greater female representation in national decision-making bodies.
All candidates have successfully met the EC’s eligibility requirements, which include proving their Ghanaian citizenship, demonstrating good standing in society, and fulfilling all necessary administrative criteria before the nomination deadline.
Unlike parliamentary and presidential elections, the Council of State elections do not involve a public vote. Instead, an Electoral College system is used, where representatives from Ghana’s 261 District Assemblies participate in the selection process. Each assembly nominates two representatives, forming a pool of electors responsible for casting their votes to determine the final Council of State members.
These electors play a key role in ensuring a fair and democratic selection process, evaluating candidates based on their experience, expertise, and ability to contribute meaningfully to national governance.
The Council of State, established under Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution, is a constitutionally mandated advisory body that provides guidance to the President on policy formulation and governance matters. It serves as a consultative body on issues related to national security, economic development, and other critical state affairs.
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Voting underway for Greater Accra Regional Council of State representative
Meanwhile, Voting is currently underway at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Hall for the Greater Accra Regional Council of State election.
A total of 58 delegates are expected to cast their ballots to elect a representative for the region. The election is being supervised by the Electoral Commission (EC), with the Greater Accra Regional Director of the EC, Mrs. Gladys Pinkrah, confirming the smooth conduct of the process.
Thirteen candidates are contesting the election in the Greater Accra Region. They include Afotey-Agbo Joseph Nii Laryea, Summertime Kwabillna Ampong, Sampson Seyram Kwadzo Agbemabiese, Horvey Charles Yaw, Redeemer Worwui, Joseph Tetten Sottie, Annan Helbert Nii Aryee, Musah Ziyad, Samuel Duah, Albert Borketey Naawu, Nene Drolor Bosso Adamtey (I), Edmund Siaw Akugbey, and Obed Nyarko.
The Council of State is an advisory body established under Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution to counsel the President in the performance of his duties. Its membership includes a former Chief Justice, a former Chief of the Defence Staff, and a former Inspector-General of Police, each appointed by the President in consultation with Parliament. The Council also includes the President of the National House of Chiefs, one elected representative from each region, and eleven other members appointed by the President.
The Council elects its chairman from among its members, and its tenure is tied to the term of the sitting President, unless a member resigns, becomes permanently incapacitated, or is removed by the President with Parliament’s approval on grounds of misconduct or inability to perform their duties.
Among its responsibilities, the Council advises the President on bills passed by Parliament and plays a role in key appointments, as required by the Constitution or other laws.
The election which started at 7am is expected to conclude later today at 5pm, with the results to be announced by the Electoral Commission.
