Political Scientist at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng, has bemoaned the effectiveness of Ghana’s Council of State.
In a recent discussion, he questioned the council’s effectiveness in shaping governance decisions and its overall relevance in contemporary Ghanaian politics.
Dr. Amakye-Boateng argued that while the council exists as an advisory body to the president, its actual influence remains limited. He further examined the historical roots of the council, and its emergence. He stated;
“The power is the one established by the constitution. They are to counsel the president and just that. And the president, of course, will listen to them and take his decision.”
Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng Political Scientist, KNUST
He pointed out that while the council was established as a crucial part of the governance system, its influence is largely dependent on the willingness of the president to heed its advice. He questioned whether the framers of Ghana’s constitution envisioned a more robust role for the council or merely a ceremonial function.
Dr. Amakye-Boateng also stressed that the council’s proximity to the presidency suggests it was meant to be a significant structure in governance. However, its actual impact remains debatable.
Dr. Amakye-Boateng further outlined the financial burden associated with maintaining the Council of State. Dr. Amakye-Boateng urged a national discussion on whether the council’s existence justifies the expenditure. He said;
“This counseling [terrain] that they are supposed to offer, whether the president will take it or not becomes another issue. There’s a current development in which we simply don’t have this structure in place, and the president [Mahama], given the exigencies of the time, has simply gone ahead to put together his team.”
Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng Political Scientist, KNUST
This, he argued, further underscores the question of whether the council has any meaningful role in governance.
Traditional Governance and the Council of State
Dr. Amakye-Boateng drew a comparison between the Council of State and Ghana’s traditional governance structures, particularly the role of traditional councils in advising chiefs and kings.
However, he pointed out a key distinction—unlike the Council of State, traditional councils wield real power and can exert pressure on chiefs when necessary. Dr. Amakye-Boateng strongly criticized the council’s inability to influence major policy decisions, especially in addressing illegal mining in Ghana. He cited;
“For example, President Nana Addo allowed gold to be mined in the forest, something that the traditional system prevented. Traditionally, we didn’t allow people to mine in the forest. We kept the sanctity of the forest, and river bodies. And yet, he allowed it in spite of the fact that he operated the Council of State.”
Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng Political Scientist, KNUST
He questioned whether the council raised any objections to this decision and whether it had the power to influence such critical national matters. He stated;
“The traditional system operates publicly. When they are opposed to a position that the president takes, they are allowed to go public, to let the public know. The current Council of State does not, and that is also to me an issue of great concern.”
Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng Political Scientist, KNUST
Another challenge Dr. Amakye-Boateng identified is the potential for political bias within the Council of State. He referenced;
“The gentleman who won in the Northern Region is someone who is an NDC activist. And so ordinarily, you don’t expect him to be able to hold his own on an issue he thinks should move in a different direction.”
“Are they going to be able to muster their courage to insist on the time-tested understanding which has kept the sanctity of the forest over centuries?”
Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng Political Scientist, KNUST
This, he argued, further weakens the council’s legitimacy as an independent advisory body.
The Need for Constitutional Review
Dr. Amakye-Boateng concluded by advocating for a constitutional review to assess whether the Council of State should continue to exist in its current form. He suggested that if the council is to remain, it must be given real power to influence decisions. His call for reform underscores a broader national conversation on governance efficiency, cost, and accountability.
Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng’s analysis presents a compelling case for reevaluating the Council of State’s role in Ghanaian governance. He argues that the council, while rooted in constitutional and traditional structures, lacks real power and transparency.
Additionally, the financial cost of maintaining the council raises concerns about its necessity. As Ghana approaches a potential constitutional review, Dr. Amakye-Boateng’s insights contribute to the ongoing debate on whether the Council of State should be restructured, empowered, or abolished altogether.
