By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, Feb 10, GNA – A total of ten people, including a woman, are contesting to be elected to represent the Central Region as a Council of State Member.
The election to be held at the Banquet Hall of the Regional Coordinating Council on Tuesday, February 12, will have a 44-member electoral college, with two representatives from each of the 22 assemblies in the region.
According to Mr Manu Sakyi, the Regional Head of the Electoral Commission (EC), preparations are well underway to ensure a successful election.
He said voting will take place from 0900 hours to 1700 hours; however, if all eligible voters cast their ballots before the closing time, the ballot papers will be counted and declared.
The candidates are Mr Francis Ejaku Donkoh, a Businessman, Nana Obokomatia IX, a civil engineer and Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, Omanhen of Mankessim Traditional Area.
The others are Nana Obokomatia IX, Ogyeedom Nana Obranu Kwesi Atta VI, Nana Ogyetsekupong V, and Mr Habib Mohammed, a former Municipal Coordinating Director.
The rest are Mr Seth Festus Appiah, Mr Hakeem Addae, Mr Alexander Fiifi Ghartey, and Hannah Cudjoe, the only female candidate.
Across the country, a total of 155 personalities from the 16 regions had filed their nomination first on Friday, February 3.
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 to 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 the President unless a member resigns, becomes permanently incapacitated or the appointment is terminated by the President on grounds of 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.
GNA