President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo has hinted at an amendment to the Constitution that will allow the President to appoint 17 people to the Council of State instead of the current 11 required.
Speaking at the swearing-in of the new Council of State, the President said the creation of new Regions has necessitated a change in the makeup of the Council which is to among other things counsel the President in the performance of his functions.
According to the President, this is necessary “in order to maintain the new regional government structure and equilibrium of the council as originally provided by the authors of the constitution”.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Akufo- Addo said he is confident that the 31-member body will bring their years of experience to bear on the work of the Council.
President Akufo-Addo said he looked forward to working with the new Council of State.
“I expect you to be proactive partners in our common efforts to find solutions that will improve the lives of our people, and safeguard the integrity of our nation and its heritage,” the President said.
He cautioned that the Council “should not, however, seek to give advice to a President, the effect of which is to undermine the independence of any of the other arms of government, especially the Judiciary.”
“It is my fervent wish and hope that this Council will help enrich the second term of my presidency for the benefit of the Ghanaian people so that, together, we can help realise the dreams of the founders of our nation to build, under God, a free, democratic, united, prosperous and happy Ghana, the Black Star of Africa, on the principles of democratic accountability, respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the dictates of social justice”.
The 31-member body includes Nana Otuo Siriboe, Omanhene of the New Juaben traditional area, Sam Okudzeto, Justice Georgina Wood, Stanley Nii Adjiri Blankson, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, Lt. Gen. J. B. Danquah, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi, Ambassador Nana Owusu-Nsiah.
The others are Professor Margaret Ivy Amoakohene, Paa Kofi Ansong, Alhaji Sulemana Yirimea, Mrs. Georgina Adepa Konadu Kusi, Kuoro Richard Babini Kanton, Alhaji Aminu Amadu, Mrs Alberta Cudjoe, Professor Ato Essuman, Archbishop Justice Ofei Akrofi, Nana Owusu Achiaw Brempong, Francis Albert Seth Nyonyo, Kodwo Agyenim – Boateng, Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asoman-Hinneh and E. T. Mensah.
The rest are Mahamoud Taniru Zunglana, Azumah Namoro Sanda, Yaw Basoa, Daniel Anlieu-Mwine Bagah, Adam Zakaria, Richard Kings Atikpo, Katakyei Kwasi Bumagama, Odeefuo Afankwa and Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw.
STORY BY: RICHMOND MORTTY BEDIAKO
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