10 Contestants and 44 Delegates Set to Cast Ballots Tomorrow

A total of ten individuals, including one woman, are competing for the opportunity to represent the Central Region as a member of the Council of State. The election, scheduled for Tuesday, February 12, 2025, will take place at the Banquet Hall of the Regional Coordinating Council. It will involve a 44-member electoral college, with two delegates from each of the 22 assemblies in the region.

According to Mr. Manu Sakyi, the Regional Head of the Electoral Commission (EC), preparations for the election are progressing smoothly, with all necessary arrangements being made to ensure a successful voting process. Voting will occur between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with ballot counting and result declaration occurring as soon as all eligible voters have cast their ballots, if this happens before the official closing time.

The ten candidates vying for the position of Council of State member are Mr. Francis Ejaku Donkoh, a businessman; Nana Obokomatia IX, a civil engineer; and Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, the Omanhen (chief) of the Mankessim Traditional Area. Other contenders include Nana Obranu Kwesi Atta VI, Nana Ogyetsekupong V, Mr. Habib Mohammed, a former Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Seth Festus Appiah, Mr. Hakeem Addae, Mr. Alexander Fiifi Ghartey, and the only female candidate, Ms. Hannah Cudjoe.

This election is part of a wider process involving 155 candidates from across Ghana’s 16 regions, who submitted their nominations by Friday, February 3, 2025. These candidates will be selected to join the Council of State, an important body that provides counsel to the President in executing his duties as laid out in the 1992 Constitution.

The Council of State, as specified in Articles 89 to 92 of the Constitution, plays an essential role in advising the President on a variety of matters, including legislative issues and appointments that require consultation. The council’s membership includes individuals such as a former Chief Justice, a former Chief of the Defence Staff, and a former Inspector-General of Police. These appointments are made by the President in consultation with Parliament. Additionally, each region of Ghana is represented by one member elected through the process taking place on Tuesday, February 12. The President also appoints 11 other members to the council.

One of the key functions of the Council of State is to provide advice to the President on bills that have been gazetted or passed by Parliament. The President may also seek the council’s opinion on any appointments required by the Constitution or other laws to be made in consultation with the body. The council’s advice is intended to support the President’s decision-making, ensuring it aligns with constitutional requirements and best practices.

Council members serve until the end of the President’s term, unless they resign, become incapacitated, or are dismissed by the President for misconduct or failure to perform their duties due to health reasons. Such dismissal must be approved by Parliament. This structure ensures that members of the Council of State serve with integrity and responsibility, contributing to the stability of the nation’s governance.

The election on February 12 is a significant event in the process of electing the regional representatives to the Council of State. The chosen candidates will have the important responsibility of offering their expertise and advice to the President, influencing policy and decision-making in Ghana. The participation of both male and female candidates reflects the diverse range of individuals aspiring to contribute to the development and governance of the country through this prestigious role.

The outcome of this election will determine who will represent the Central Region in the Council of State, furthering the region’s influence in national governance. The process is expected to run smoothly, ensuring that all eligible voters have the chance to make their voices heard in selecting their representative for this crucial advisory body.