Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has expressed his deep concerns about the Council of State’s composition and its potential implications on Ghana’s governance.
Speaking on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV, Kwesi Pratt stated, “All manner of people can, through the procurement of influence, end up at the Council of State, it’s very worrying.”
The second journalist’s concerns centre around the possibility of the Council of State’s membership being influenced by wealth rather than merit.
“When it gets to the point where the election of the Council of State is influenced by the size of the pocket of those that are contesting, then we are in trouble,” he emphasized.
The Council of State is expected to comprise experienced individuals who understand the public sector and have gained significant experience in their lives. However, Mr. Pratt fears that this may not be the case going forward.
“Nothing prevents a 24-year-old boy who has just graduated with no work experience and whose parents have a lot of money from ending up as a Council of State member,” he noted.
Despite his concerns, Kwesi Pratt acknowledges the Council of State’s potential role in resolving conflicts between the President and Parliament.
“I will be hesitant to describe the Council of State as a body of no relevance because, as we move on, it is possible to reach a point where there will be a clear conflict between the President and Parliament, and we need institutions to help resolve those matters,” he said.
The veteran journalist also raised concerns about the previous Council of State’s handling of a controversial issue involving the Electoral Commission.
“The most controversial issue has to do with the Electoral Commission, where the outgoing President appointed members of his party to the Electoral Commission. Many people wrote petitions to the Council of State, but the Council did not act; they refused to act. I was very unhappy with the Council when they failed to take a decisive decision,” he stated.
By: Vanessa Edotom Boateng | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
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