The Chairperson of the Constitutional Review Committee, Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh
The Chairperson of the Constitutional Review Committee, Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, has stated that a significant number of citizens are calling for the abolition of the Council of State, according to a report by CitiNewsroom.com.
He also noted that public sentiment suggests the Council, in its current form, lacks a meaningful role in Ghana’s governance structure.
Speaking at an event organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) on April 30, 2025, Professor Prempeh said, “There is the view that if we must have a Council of State, then it must at least be in a position to resolve very high-level issues when it comes to peace and conflict resolution. There is a search for a better purpose for the Council of State.”
Professor Prempeh further explained that many citizens perceive the Council as an extension of presidential influence, primarily because most of its members are appointed by the President. This perception, he argued, undermines the credibility and independence of the advisory body.
“If we were to reconstitute it in terms of membership, how would we go about it? The sense that it is dominated by handpicked presidential appointees means it doesn’t make a difference. The President already has his own council, his Cabinet, so there is no point in paying attention to the Council of State,” he said.
During the swearing-in of the 31-member Council of State on February 18, 2025, Council Chairman and former Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho, acknowledged the public calls for the Council’s abolition.
Despite the criticisms, Doe Adjaho reassured the President of the Council’s commitment to fulfilling its duties diligently in support of national development.
“It is true that many have questioned the relevance of the Council of State, and some have even called for its abolition. But we want to assure you that this Council of State will be a Council of difference. Mr. President, you can count on us day and night; we shall respond,” he stated.
RAD/MA
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