Cletus Avoka: Calls For Ghana Council Of State Reform And Independence

• Cletus Avoka, a former Majority Leader and current Council of State member, advocates for an independent and well-funded Council of State in Ghana.
• He argues that the Council's current structure hinders its effectiveness and independence from government operations.
• Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo highlighted the necessity of progressing the constitutional review process to enhance governance outcomes.
• These discussions occurred at an Institute of Economic Affairs roundtable focused on the Prempeh Committee’s Report and the government’s stance on constitutional reform.
• The Prempeh Committee, established in January 2025, is tasked with reviewing the 1992 Constitution and proposing reforms across nine thematic areas.

Avoka emphasized that detaching the Council from the direct operational mechanisms of the government is crucial for bolstering its influence within Ghana's democratic governance structure.

Cletus Avoka, a distinguished former Majority Leader of Parliament and a current member of Ghana's Council of State, has issued a strong call for a comprehensive revitalization of the Council. He argues that the institution's current operational framework significantly impedes its efficacy, advocating for its independence and robust financial provisioning. Avoka emphasized that detaching the Council from the direct operational mechanisms of the government is crucial for bolstering its influence within Ghana's democratic governance structure.

Speaking at a recent roundtable discussion hosted by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), which focused on constitutional reforms, Mr. Avoka articulated the necessity for the Council to possess greater autonomy and dedicated funding streams. He explicitly stated that the Council requires "revamping and its own financial arrangements" to ensure it can function independently. Avoka highlighted a perceived stagnation within the Council, noting that while other state bodies, such as Parliament, have evolved and progressed, the Council has remained largely static. He pointed out the practical challenges faced by members, including the absence of dedicated offices for most, with only the Chairman having one, drawing a parallel to the early days of the 1993 Parliament where members often operated without formal office spaces.

These discussions unfold against the backdrop of an ongoing national constitutional review process, spearheaded by the Constitution Review Committee. Chaired by Professor Henry Prempeh, this committee was established in January 2025 with a mandate to conduct an exhaustive examination of the 1992 Constitution. Its core responsibilities include identifying existing constitutional deficiencies, pinpointing implementation hurdles, and addressing governance limitations.

The Prempeh Committee is tasked with proposing reforms designed to enhance accountability, foster greater inclusion, strengthen democratic governance, and drive national development. Its recommendations span nine critical thematic areas, encompassing the establishment of a more accountable presidency, the promotion of a people-centred democracy, comprehensive public sector reforms, decentralization initiatives, the pursuit of social justice, ensuring constitutional adaptability, bolstering national security, and reinforcing accountability and justice institutions. The IEA roundtable itself was themed, "Views and Reflections: The Prempeh Committee’s Report and Government’s Position on Constitutional Review," underscoring the direct relevance of these deliberations to the committee's work.

Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo further underscored the critical need to advance Ghana's constitutional review process to achieve improved governance outcomes. She posited that while democracy is a fundamental engine, its ultimate purpose is to lead to "sustainable, effective and desirable development," a goal she suggested has proven challenging to realize under the existing constitutional framework. Her remarks highlight a shared sentiment among key stakeholders regarding the urgency of constitutional reform.

Sam Okudzeto, an esteemed legal practitioner who presided over the roundtable, commended the Institute of Economic Affairs for facilitating such a vital dialogue. He urged for the continuation of national conversations surrounding constitutional reforms, emphasizing their importance for Ghana's future. The collective calls from these prominent figures signal a significant momentum towards re-evaluating and potentially amending foundational aspects of the nation's governance.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Ghana should closely monitor the ongoing discussions and potential legislative changes stemming from the Prempeh Committee's recommendations on constitutional reform, particularly concerning the Council of State. Any restructuring or empowerment of the Council could impact the legislative process, executive oversight, and the interpretation of constitutional provisions, necessitating a review of legal strategies and compliance frameworks to align with an evolving governance landscape.

Source: Original reporting via Ghana News Agency