Council of State Elections: Everything you need to know

Role of the Council of State

According to Article 89(1) of the 1992 Constitution, the Council of State serves as an advisory body to the President, providing counsel on matters related to governance and national affairs.

Composition of the Council of State

The Council of State is made up of the following members:

1. Presidential Appointees (in consultation with Parliament)
   • A former Chief Justice
   • A former Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces
   • A former Inspector General of Police
2. The President of the National House of Chiefs
3. Regional Representatives
   • One person elected from each region by an Electoral College consisting of representatives nominated by District Assemblies within the respective regions.
4. Eleven additional members appointed by the President

Election of Regional Representatives

The selection of regional representatives follows the first-past-the-post voting system and is conducted by the Electoral Commission. This process is not open to the general public but is instead determined by an Electoral College, with each District Assembly nominating two representatives to participate in the vote.

Eligibility Criteria for Candidates

To contest as a candidate for the Council of State, an individual must:

• Be a citizen of Ghana
• Be a registered voter
• Be of sound mind

Date and Venue for Elections

The elections are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 11th February 2025, in all regional capitals across Ghana.

How to Obtain Nomination Forms

Prospective candidates can access nomination forms on the Electoral Commission’s official website for submission before the election date.