Former Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho is the chairman of the newly constituted Council of State that is to advise President John Dramani Mahama.
The members of the Council of State, comprising appointed and elected members were sworn into office on Tuesday night.
President Mahama administered the two oaths of a Member of the Council of State and Oath of Secrecy.
Aside the elected 16 members from the 16 regions, President John Dramani Mahama appointed 11 individuals, including former Speaker of Parliament Edward Doe Adjaho, former Attorney-General and Minister of State, Betty Mould Iddrisu, and former Member of Parliament Cletus Avoka.
The appointments, are in accordance with Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution as part of a broader effort to provide advisory support to the President in governance.
The Council of State is mandated to counsel the President on critical national matters, including the consideration of bills and appointments requiring consultation with the council.
Notable appointees
Among the 11 nominees are:
Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho – Former
Speaker of Parliament (Volta Region) – CHAIRMAN of the Council of State
Mr. Cletus Avoka – Former MP for Zebilla Constituency (Upper East Region)
Mrs. Betty Mould Iddrisu – Former Attorney General (Ashanti Region)
Justice Vida Amankwanua Akoto-Bamfo (JSC, Retired) – Former Justice of the Supreme Court (Greater Accra Region)
Dr. Eunice Brookman-Amissah – Former Minister of Health (Central Region)
Mrs. Molly Anim Addo – Former Ambassador (Greater Accra Region)
Daasebre Boamah Darko – Chief of Akyem Kukuratumi (Eastern Region)
Osabarima Kwesi Attah II – Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area (Central Region)
Mankpanwura Jakpa Achor-Ade Borenyi I – Paramount Chief of the Mankpan Traditional Area (Savannah Region)
Cynthia Komley Adjetey – (Greater Accra Region)
Nana Saa Gyamfuaa II – Queen Mother of Ayima Traditional Area (Bono Region)
Institutional appointments
Additionally, four key figures have been appointed from various national institutions, as required by the Constitution:
Justice Sophia Akuffo (JSC, Retired) – Former Chief Justice (Eastern Region)
Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan – Former Inspector-General of Police (Upper West Region)
Air Marshal Michael Samson-Oje (Retired) – Former Chief of Defence Staff (Savannah Region)
Ogyeahohor Yaw Gyebi II – President of the National House of Chiefs (Western North Region)
Regional Representatives
Each region of Ghana is also represented on the Council of State. The 16 regional representatives come from diverse professional backgrounds, including education, business, law, and agriculture.
The newly appointed members will serve until the end of President Mahama’s tenure unless a member resigns, becomes incapacitated, or is removed from office by the President with parliamentary approval.
The Council of State plays a crucial role in governance by advising the President on major national decisions, ensuring effective leadership, and upholding constitutional principles.
The 1992 Constitution mandates the formation of the Council of State to offer non-partisan counsel to the President. Its responsibilities include reviewing bills, advising on key appointments, and providing guidance on national issues.
Source: Graphic Online