A total of 11 candidates have filed their nominations to contest for a seat representing the Upper West Region in the upcoming Council of State election.
According to Daniel Kwatia Larbi, the Upper West Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), all candidates in the race are males, with the youngest being a 38-year-old accountant and the oldest a 68-year-old land administrator. The age diversity highlights a mix of experience and fresh perspectives in the race.
The election will take place on February 11, 2025, at the EC’s Regional Office in Wa, where 22 voters—two from each of the 11 district assemblies—will cast their votes to select the regional representative.
Regarding qualifications, the candidate with the least academic qualification holds a Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), while the candidate with the highest qualification boasts a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, illustrating the varied backgrounds of those vying for the prestigious role.
Background
According to Article 89(1) of the 1992 Constitution, the Council of State is “to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.”
Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution sets up the Council of State to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.
Its members include a former Chief Justice, a former Chief of the Defence Staff and a former Inspector-General of Police each appointed by the President in consultation with Parliament.
Other members are the President of the National House of Chiefs; one representative from each region who would be elected on Tuesday, and 11 other members appointed by the President.
The Council of State elects its chairman from among its members.
The members hold office until the end of the term of office of the President unless a member resigns, becomes permanently incapacitated or the appointment is terminated by the President on grounds of stated misbehaviour or of inability to perform his/her functions arising from infirmity of body or mind, and with the prior approval of Parliament.
Among its duties, the President can request the council to consider a bill published in the Gazette or passed by Parliament.
The Council of State also shall consider and advise the President or any other authority in respect of any appointment which is required by the Constitution or any other law to be made in accordance with the advice of, or in consultation with the Council of State.
