A governance expert has said that from where he stands the council of state is not necessary.
According to him the history and composition of it makes his stands very grounded. The council of state has never been on record to have opposed anything the president has said or want to do which makes it more of a ceremonial institution than a real part of governance.
Reacting to a question on Radio Gold Morning Show by the host who asked him why the council of state is perceived as just a ceremonial institution, He queried if we can have a council of state that can stand up to the president since he appoints majority of them into the council.
With our executive presidential system where we have presidential advisers, ministers etc he suggested that making the council of state a second chamber in House of Parliament will make it function better than what it is now.
With the coming election and appointments into the membership of the council this debate and discussion as to its relevance will dominate the media for some time.
THE COUNCIL OF STATE
The Council of State is enjoined by Ghana’s 1992 Constitution (Reference Chapter 9, Article 89) to “counsel the President in the performance of his functions”. The Council is required to “consider and advise the President or any other authority in respect of any appointment which is required by the constitution or any other law to be made in accordance with the advice of, or in consultation with the Council…” The council, upon request or on its own initiative is to “consider and make recommendations on any matter being considered or dealt with by the President, a Minister of State, or any other authority established by the Constitution.
CW Reporter.
