Leader and flag bearer of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, has proposed a significant reform to the Council of State, suggesting that the age criteria for membership should be pegged at 60 years and above.
According to Akpaloo, experience and intelligence are essential for advising the president, and individuals below 60 may lack the necessary expertise and wisdom to provide meaningful guidance. He emphasized that wealth alone does not qualify someone to advise the president, stressing that a person’s ability to offer wise counsel is not directly correlated with their bank account.
Speaking on Wontumi morning show, Akpaloo argued that retired public servants, such as the Chief Justice, Inspector General of Police, and Army Commander, possess the requisite experience and wisdom to provide sensible advice to the president. He cited these individuals as examples of those who have demonstrated the level of maturity and expertise required to serve on the Council of State.
The Council of State, established by Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, advises the president on national issues. Its membership includes prominent citizens, such as former government officials, traditional leaders, and experts in various fields.
Akpaloo’s proposal aims to ensure that the Council of State comprises individuals with the necessary gravitas and expertise to provide informed guidance to the president.