Let’s make Council of State more functional
Ghana has made giant strides in its practice of democratic governance and its experiences and achievements have become the reference point for the rest of the continent and even beyond.
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That is not to say that our democratic journey has not been without challenges.
We have had seven successful elections since 1992 and enjoyed three peaceful transfers of power from ruling governments to opposition parties.
Although the elections of 2012 ended in court, the Supreme Court successfully adjudicated the petition.
All these notwithstanding, Ghanaians still engage in debates in order to iron out the grey areas in our Constitution, culminating in the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), on whose report the government had issued a White Paper.
Many recommendations were contained in that report, and while some aspects of the report were endorsed by the government, others were reviewed, as contained in the White Paper.
The implementation of the White Paper has, however, stalled, with no clear direction in sight.
Recently, two of our illustrious leaders, former Presidents J.J. Rawlings and J.A. Kufuor, ignited the debate on the relevance of the Council of State, as presently constituted.
Chapter Nine of the Constitution says the Council of State may, upon request or on its own initiative, consider and make recommendations on any matter being considered or dealt with by the President, a Minister of State, Parliament or any other authority established by the Constitution, except that the President, Minister of State, Parliament or other authority shall not be required to act in accordance with any recommendation made by the Council of State under this clause.
Former President Rawlings was quoted as saying that a well-chosen Council of State was an asset to be adopted, but its members must show deep nationalism, initiative and boldness in the discharge of their functions.
He said the council, as an institution that grew out of the African traditional governance system, should be formed with distinguished persons with proven spirituality, experience, knowledge, wisdom, integrity and patriotism to offer advice to the President.
For his part, Mr Kufuor said for a Council of State to make critical contributions to good governance in Ghana, it must be properly composed of members on principles of experience, proven wisdom, objectivity and people the public had known through their public service and not on party principles.
Despite the positions taken by our two past leaders, others believe that the Council of State must perform more critical functions that will compel our Presidents to take decisions for the good of our country.
Sometimes, members of the Council of State are made to run errands for the President, as if they are part of the President’s “men and women”.
It is unfortunate that the Constitution gives power to the President to appoint almost all, except the representative of the National House of Chiefs and other past high-ranking officials of state who are made members of the Council of State by the Constitution.
The council, as presently constituted in line with the Fourth Republican Constitution, is only advisory in nature, but it is important that going forward, especially when an opportunity beckons us to review our Constitution, we look at its composition and functions.
The Daily Graphic thinks the Council of State is necessary but it must be made more functional to deepen democratic governance and help the President achieve his mandate to provide good leadership and the needs of the people.
