A total of 155 candidates from all 16 regions of Ghana have submitted their nominations to contest for positions in the upcoming Council of State elections, scheduled for today, February 11th. These highly anticipated elections are a crucial component of Ghana’s governance structure and will determine regional representatives who will advise President John Dramani Mahama on key national matters.
According to the Electoral Commission (EC), the list of aspirants comprises 145 males and 10 females, indicating a significant gender disparity in the contest. While the number of female candidates remains relatively low, their participation marks a step toward increasing female representation in national decision-making bodies.
The candidates have successfully navigated the nomination process, meeting specific eligibility criteria set by the EC. This included proving their Ghanaian citizenship, demonstrating good standing in society, and fulfilling all necessary administrative requirements before the nomination deadline.
Unlike parliamentary and presidential elections, the Council of State election is not open to the general public. Instead, the selection process follows an Electoral College system, where voting is carried out by representatives from each district. Each of Ghana’s 261 District Assemblies nominates two representatives, creating a pool of electors who will cast their votes to determine the final Council of State members. These selected electors play a crucial role in ensuring a fair and democratic selection process, as they are expected to assess the candidates based on their experience, expertise, and ability to contribute meaningfully to national governance.
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The Council of State is a constitutionally mandated advisory body that provides guidance to the President on policy formulation and national governance. Established under Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution, the Council serves as a key consultative body, offering expert advice on governance-related issues, national security, economic development, and other areas.
