155 Candidates Vie for Council of State Seats on Tuesday
A total of 155 candidates from Ghana’s 16 regions have filed nominations to contest regional slots in the Council of State elections scheduled for Tuesday, February 11.
According to a compilation by the Daily Graphic, 145 men and 10 women submitted their nominations before the deadline last Friday. The election is conducted by an Electoral College comprising two representatives from each District Assembly.
Greater Accra Region
The Greater Accra Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), Gladys Pinkrah, confirmed that 13 individuals are competing for the region’s single slot. Candidates include former Kpone-Katamanso MP, Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, along with Summertime Kwabillna Ampong, Redeemer Worwui, Herbert Nii Aryee Annan, Samuel Duah, Nene Drolor Bosso Adamtey I, Obed Nyarko, Sampson Seyram Kwadzo Agbemabiese, Charles Yaw Horvey, Joseph Tetteh Sottie, Musah Ziyad, Albert Borketey Naawu, and Edmund Siaw Akugbey.
Middle Belt (Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions)
In the middle belt, 27 men and two women are contesting.
Bono Region
According to the Regional Director, Guggisberg Asirifi-Young, 10 candidates have filed, including Odeneho Dr. Affram Brempong III, timber contractor Nana Aful Kyere, teacher Dominic Adu-Gyimah, businessman Umar Adam Sulemana, retired educationist Nana Ankamah Bosomtwe, teacher Nana Mary Adjeiwaah, Nicholas Saddari, transport operator Peter Kwadwo Ackom, physician Daniel Owusu Brempong, and teacher Eric Kofi Appiah.
Bono East Region
Eleven candidates are vying for the slot, including Yeji Traditional Area Omanhene Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese, lecturer Ofori-Danson Yaw, pastor Michael Kwasi Amponsah, and others with varied professional backgrounds such as teaching, engineering, disaster management, and image analysis.
Ahafo Region
The eight aspirants in the Ahafo Region include farmer-politician Bukari Zakari Anaba, environmental health specialist Abraham Yaw Agyeman, businessman Emmanuel Appeagyei Kwabena Nana, nurse Sir Shai Agyemang, and traditional ruler Barima Twireku Ampem.
Northern Region
Four candidates are in contention, including former Kumbungu MP Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, economist Richard Andani Yakubu, electrical engineer Nyande Abdul Raqib, and businessman Adam Hussein. Thirty-two delegates will vote to elect a representative. One aspirant was disqualified for possessing an invalid voter ID card.
Central Region
Ten candidates, including one woman, are contesting. Among them are Mankessim Omanhen Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, contractor Nana Obokomatta, and civil engineer Ogyeedom Nana Obranu Kwesi Atta. The election will be conducted by a 44-member electoral college.
Eastern Region
Twenty-four individuals, including three women, are competing for the slot in the Eastern Region.
Western Region
Nine candidates have filed nominations.
Upper West Region
Eleven candidates are contesting, with the youngest being a 38-year-old accountant and the oldest a 68-year-old land administrator. The region has 22 voters representing 11 district assemblies.
Upper East Region
Nine men have filed nominations. The candidates include lecturers, social workers, a nurse, a finance consultant, and an environmental consultant. Thirty delegates will vote to select the winner.
Volta Region
Thirteen candidates, all male, are contesting. The oldest aspirant is 71, while the youngest is 29. Among them are teachers, a lawyer, entrepreneurs, and a researcher.
Ashanti Region
Twelve candidates, comprising 10 men and two women, are vying for the seat. Their professions include traditional leadership, farming, business, and journalism. The election will be conducted at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, with 86 assembly members casting votes.
Western North Region
Three individuals are contesting, including Ghana National Association of Assembly Members President Nelson Ackah, Western North NDC Chairman Michael Aidoo, and retired military officer Col. (retd) Anthony Aduhene.
Background on the Council of State
As stipulated by Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution, the Council of State serves as an advisory body to the President. It comprises a former Chief Justice, a former Chief of Defence Staff, a former Inspector-General of Police (all appointed by the President in consultation with Parliament), the President of the National House of Chiefs, and a representative from each region. Additionally, 11 other members are appointed by the President.
The Council elects its chairman from among its members and advises the President on legislative and executive matters. Its members serve until the end of the President’s term unless they resign, become incapacitated, or are removed by the President with parliamentary approval.
