Local Governance Expert Issaka Amon Kotei has expressed concern over the chaotic scenes that characterized the Council of State elections in various regions across the country.
In an interview with Citizen Kofi Owusu on Ahotor FM, Mr. Amon Kotei attributed the disruptions to the excessive politicization of the process. “In this country, many people turn everything into politics. When politics leads us, this is what happens,” he said.
He explained that some individuals believe that since their political party is in power, only their party members should be elected to represent them on the Council of State. Others, he added, prioritize personal relationships over merit, supporting candidates simply because they are acquaintances or allies.
“This mindset fuels chaos and creates unnecessary tension, as we witnessed yesterday,” Mr. Amon Kotei remarked.
He called for a shift in attitude, urging stakeholders to prioritize competence and the collective interest of the nation over partisan and personal considerations in electing Council of State members. “We need to rise above political affiliations and focus on what is best for the country,” he concluded.
The Council of State elections, intended to be a democratic and orderly process, have come under scrutiny following reports of confrontations and irregularities in some regions. Observers are calling for reforms to ensure the integrity and fairness of the exercise in future elections.
Many people are questioning the relevance of the Council of State in Ghana, with some arguing that it has failed to fulfill its advisory role effectively. Mr. Kotei expressed his concerns, pointing to the tenure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo as an example. He stated that despite the presence of the Council of State, the nation’s finances deteriorated significantly under his administration.
He also highlighted that during periods when journalists were attacked and some even lost their lives while performing their duties, the Council of State remained silent. Furthermore, on contentious national issues, such as the LGBTQ+ bill, the Council of State failed to issue any formal statements or guidance.
“The Council of State has the mandate to advise the President and share their views on controversial matters, yet their impact has been negligible,” Mr. Kotei said. “What advice did the previous Council of State give to the former President? Their silence and inaction make people question their relevance.”
These concerns have fueled growing calls for a critical assessment of the Council of State’s role in governance and whether it still serves its intended purpose in modern Ghanaian politics.
Story by : Mercy Addai Turkson
