Let's not scrap it; we must fix it-Prof. Prempeh on Council of State reform

The Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, has urged Ghanaians to move beyond simplistic calls for the abolition of the Council of State and instead engage in deeper discussions about reforming the institution.

Appearing on Newsfile on Saturday, May 3, Prof. Prempeh noted that while many submissions to the Committee have called for the Council’s dissolution, citing concerns over its ineffectiveness, lack of accountability, and weak influence, these criticisms alone are not enough to justify its complete removal from the Constitution.

According to the constitutional law expert, the Council's shortcomings stem in part from its structure, particularly its lack of transparency, the dominant role of the President in appointments, and the non-binding nature of its advisory role. Prof. Prempeh proposed reforms that include reshaping its composition, enhancing openness in its operations, and making its advice binding in specific cases.

He emphasized that the Committee's goal is to strengthen governance institutions rather than discard them hastily.

Rather than choosing between total abolition or blind retention, Prof. Prempeh advocated a thoughtful redesign.