By Edward Acquah
Accra, Feb. 13, GNA – The Electoral Commission (EC) will re-run the Council of State elections in the Ashanti and North East regions on Monday, February 17, 2025.
Except for the two regions, 14 regional representatives were on Tuesday, February 11, elected to serve on the Council of State.
Voting in the Ashanti Region was disrupted by thugs who invaded the polling centre and destroyed the materials, including ballot papers.
In the North East Region, however, a winner could not be declared following a tie between the two best performing candidates of the seven, who contested. Saaka Abuba and Asabigi San Malunga Nasamu secured six votes each.
In a statement issued and signed by Mr Samuel Tettey, the Deputy EC Chair in Charge of Operations on Wednesday, the Commission said it had written to the National Election Security Taskforce to tighten security at the venues to prevent any disruptions.
Ghana’s Council of State is a constitutionally mandated advisory body to the President.
Established under Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution, the Council provides independent counsel on national governance, policy decisions, and matters of public interest.
It comprises 30 members, including a former Chief Justice, a former Chief of Defence Staff, a former Inspector-General of Police, and representatives from each of the 16 regions. The President also appoints additional members.
The Council plays a key role in ensuring checks and balances in governance, advising on the appointment of key public officials, and reviewing bills before they are passed into law.
While its advice is not binding, successive governments have often consulted the Council on major national issues.
GNA