Policy analyst Bright Simons
Policy analyst Bright Simons, has welcomed President John Mahama’s proposal to establish a Governance Advisory Council, describing it as a “good show of faith” while urging civil society not to lose sight of the bigger goal; genuine transparency and accountability.
Reacting to the President’s announcement via social media on May 27, 2025, Simons acknowledged the symbolic importance of the proposed Council but stressed that its real value will depend on how far it can go in pushing meaningful reform.
“Ghana’s President has promised to set up a ‘Governance Advisory Council’ once he receives detailed input from CSOs. Good show of faith by Mr. President!” Simons stated.
“Before you dismiss it as another potential talkshop, he says he is committed to using the Council to push for ‘radical transparency’ of government operations,” he added.
While commending the President’s intention, Simons cautioned that the effectiveness of such a body will rest on the level of independence afforded to its members and the willingness of government to subject itself to critical scrutiny.
“I completely agree with you. The Council is just step 1,” he noted. “The real meat is in how it can go further in pushing transparency and accountability with the involvement of genuinely independent and critical CSOs. But step 1 is always important. Yes?”
The President’s proposal has sparked conversations across governance and civil society circles, with many waiting to see whether the Council will evolve into a platform for real institutional checks or remain a symbolic gesture.
Civil society groups are currently expected to submit detailed recommendations on the Council’s composition and mandate.
The Governance Advisory Council, if well-designed and properly empowered, could serve as a vital mechanism for curbing executive overreach, increasing access to government information, and reinforcing the democratic contract between state and citizen.
Ghana’s President has promised to set up a “Governance Advisory Council” once he receives detailed input from CSOs. Good show of faith by Mr. President!
Before you dismiss it as another potential talkshop, he says he is committed to using the Council to push for “radical… pic.twitter.com/zImnjgIy2g
— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) May 27, 2025
MA