Council of State (Ghana)
The Council of State in Ghana is a body of prominent citizens, analogous to the Council of Elders in the traditional political system, which advises the president on national issues.
The Council of State was established by Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana: "There shall be a Council of State to counsel the President in the performance of his functions."
Membership
The Council of State should include a former Chief Justice of Ghana, a former Chief of the Defence Staff and a former Inspector General of Police and the president of the National House of Chiefs. Each region of Ghana also has an elected representative. The President of Ghana also appoints eleven members. Members stay in office until the term of office of the president ends.Every four years, the Electoral Commission of Ghana organises elections to fill the elected positions. There is an Electoral College formed in every region to elect their representative. The College is made up of two representatives nominated by each District Assembly. Any registered voter who is a citizen of Ghana is qualified to stand for election. Nominations for each person must be proposed and seconded by two registered voters from the region and be supported by a further twenty voters from the region. The voting by the Electoral College is usually held at the Regional Capital.
Meetings
The council is required to meet four times a year. It can also meet if requested by the President of Ghana, the Parliament of Ghana or by at least five sitting members of the council. There should be more than half the members of the Council at a meeting to form a quorum. Decisions of the council are valid if voted for by the majority of members present at the meeting. The Council regulates its own procedures subject to the provisions of the Ghana Constitution.Current members
Following the change of government in January 2025, the membership of the Council of State will be changing. Elections are being held for the elected regional representatives on 11 February 2025 in all regional capitals. The new President will also be nominating his eleven appointees to the Council. 154 people made up of 144 men and 10 women contested the elected positions in all 16 regions. In 2025, the total membership of the Electoral College in all regions was 522, consisting of 2 voters from each District Assembly. The election in the Ashanti Region did not occur as scheduled as thugs disrupted proceedings and destroyed materials. There was a tie in North Eastern Region so a re-run was scheduled for 13 February 2025. The final list of elected members and those appointed by Mahama were sworn in on 18 February 2025 at Jubilee House.Elected members
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Past members of the Council of State
2021 to 2025
The membership from the past four years was sworn in by President Nana Akufo-Addo on 23 February 2021 at the Jubilee House. The vacant position reserved for former Chief Justice of Ghana was filled following the appointment of Georgina Theodora Wood following her retirement.Elected members
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Appointed members
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''Ex-Officio'' members
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Other past members
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