By: Franice Tandoh
A total of 153 candidates from all 16 regions of Ghana have filed their nominations to contest in the Council of State elections, set to take place today, February 11.
These highly anticipated elections play a crucial role in Ghana’s governance structure, as they will determine regional representatives who will advise President John Dramani Mahama on key national matters.
According to the Electoral Commission (EC), the race consists of 143 male candidates and 10 female candidates, highlighting a notable gender disparity. While the number of women remains low, their participation is seen as a step toward greater female representation in national decision-making bodies.
All candidates have successfully met the EC’s eligibility requirements, which include proving their Ghanaian citizenship, demonstrating good standing in society, and fulfilling all necessary administrative criteria before the nomination deadline.
Unlike parliamentary and presidential elections, the Council of State elections do not involve a public vote. Instead, an Electoral College system is used, where representatives from Ghana’s 261 District Assemblies participate in the selection process. Each assembly nominates two representatives, forming a pool of electors responsible for casting their votes to determine the final Council of State members.
These electors play a key role in ensuring a fair and democratic selection process, evaluating candidates based on their experience, expertise, and ability to contribute meaningfully to national governance.
The Council of State, established under Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution, is a constitutionally mandated advisory body that provides guidance to the President on policy formulation and governance matters. It serves as a consultative body on issues related to national security, economic development, and other critical state affairs.
