Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has underscored the need for Ghana to abolish the Council of State concept in its governance structure.
In his opinion, the Council has outlived its purpose and should be scrapped.
“I have had a chance to express my views on the Council of State, very honourable distinguished institution, well-meaning. But, I can say I don’t think it is fit for purpose given the state of development of our country and given the fact that the nation is committed to practicing democratic governance.”
He was speaking at a seminar organised by the Professor Mike Oquaye Centre for Constitutional Studies at the Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA), in Aburi, Eastern Region, on Tuesday.
To replace the Council of State, he proposed that the establishment of
the second chamber of Parliament to play the advisory role to the government.
He called for the review of the constitution to make room for this proposal.
“… We limit the uses of Council of State to advising just the President,” and that often, the President decided whether or not to take the advice.
“So, I have gone through all these periods and I have come to a conclusion, perhaps, what our Constitution should have to temper the extremes of democracy is not a Council of State, but a second chamber. A second chamber well composed not on basis of democracy so much. Democracy should always be implied in there though, but not entirely democratically but more on experience, prove in public spiritedness, prudence, maturity, care for the nation, inclusive.
“If we do that, and allow this second chamber to operate openly, in the full glare of publicity, then the wisdom that would be issued from their deliberations would impact not only the President… ,” he added.
To ensure continuity in the provision of development for the people, the former President added that the term of the second chamber should not be tied to the tenure of any government.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
