Which Way for Ghana? A Council of State or Second Chamber by Harrison Kofi Belley on June 15,2012 (click here for this article)
Mr. Kwesi Prempeh, a former legal director for Democratic development spoke called for the removing of the Council of State because it had no benefit for the country in Accra in 2004. The council was only advisory and just a drain to the resources. Professor George Ayitey, an economist, called for it also 8 years later in March. The people think that there needs to be elders to advise the President on his acts since colonial rule. Many Constitutional Commissions and Committees believed the nation was not ready for a second chamber of Parliament but not a Council of State/Elders. In Article 89 of the fourth republican constitution states that there should be a Council of State (25 members) to council the President in his performance. It's main purpose is to advice the President is his activities, also advising public institutions of Constitution. They don't have to follow their advice. The President has to Consult before appointing his ranking public servants. There were 3 versions of Council of State: President Rawlings, Kufuor, and Atta-Mills. In a case, however Professor Alex Kwapong has rejected Mr.Prempeh's proposal. He believes it's a vital link to country's democracy and has become an efficient body even providing their achievements to the President. Harrison believes that the Council produces no result that relates to the country. There was an attempt to created a Second Chamber but was vetoed for a unicameral in 1949. Now, more are trying to create a Second Chamber. There was a case where they argued that it would be expensive and has same functions as the first chamber. Also they would take away legislative powers which should be for the representatives of the people. Now that Ghana has the wisdom of elders, they now call for a Second Chamber. The Chamber's role are advising and restraining. It will serve as a beneficial check on legislation and decisions, enabling issues to be considered without passion and in a calmer atmosphere, delaying some bills for a most 1 month. There should be equal powers in first house. The members will be of elder statesmen and can be elected by electoral colleges. Soon the nation should be prepared for it.
The establishment of the Second Chamber to me would benefit Ghana a lot. Since according to Harrison, the Council of State does not provide anything that benefits the nation, I say make the Second Chamber! If it hasn't worked at all, change it. Perhaps the Chamber will benefit in the long run. It will be more fixed to providing nation with help. There's been attempts to create a Second Chamber for a long time. Now that they have the chance, they should be sure to make it the best they can. I believe Ghana can do it.
This article ties in to the government of Ghana. The Council of State had a role in the government for a long time. Now, they're questioning the role it has. It's purpose is to advice the Presidency in his/her functions. Now they look at the bigger picture and they see that the Council of States is not doing anything beneficial for the nation. It's important because it's one of the blocks that keep the nation going. If it doesn't do anything why not make a new one? They want a a chamber that would benefit the nation and follow its purpose.
The establishment of the Second Chamber to me would benefit Ghana a lot. Since according to Harrison, the Council of State does not provide anything that benefits the nation, I say make the Second Chamber! If it hasn't worked at all, change it. Perhaps the Chamber will benefit in the long run. It will be more fixed to providing nation with help. There's been attempts to create a Second Chamber for a long time. Now that they have the chance, they should be sure to make it the best they can. I believe Ghana can do it.
This article ties in to the government of Ghana. The Council of State had a role in the government for a long time. Now, they're questioning the role it has. It's purpose is to advice the Presidency in his/her functions. Now they look at the bigger picture and they see that the Council of States is not doing anything beneficial for the nation. It's important because it's one of the blocks that keep the nation going. If it doesn't do anything why not make a new one? They want a a chamber that would benefit the nation and follow its purpose.