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General News of Thursday, 16 February 2017

Source: The Finder

No living Chief Justice on President Akufo-Addo's Council of State

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

The position of a former Chief Justice on the Council of State will remain vacant until the sitting Chief Justice retires in July, this year.

This is because there is no former Chief Justice, who is currently alive, to occupy the position on the Council, as stipulated by law.

A statement issued by Acting Director of Communication at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, named 11 people appointed by President Nana Akufo-Addo as members of the Council of State subject to the approval of Parliament.

The members include Nana Otuo Siriboe II, Juabenhene; Mr Sam Okudzeto, Nana Kofi Obiri Egyir II, Mr Stanley Adjiri Blankson, Mrs Alberta Cudjoe and Alhaji Aminu Amadu.

Others are: Dr Margaret Amoakohene, Alhaji Sahanun Mogtar, Mrs George Kusi, Alhaji Sule Yiremiah and Mr Paa Kofi Ansong.

The statement explained that the above appointments were in pursuant to Article 82 section 2 (d) of the 1992 Constitution.

It added that in accordance with Article 82 section (a) (ii) and (iii), President Nana Akufo-Addo has also appointed a former Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, General J. B. Danquah as well as Nana Owusu Nsiah, a former Inspector-General of Police to the Council.

The statement noted that President of the National House of Chiefs Togbe Afede XIV is an ex-officio member of the Council in furtherance of Article 89 Section 2 (b).

It explained that the composition of the Council would be complete with the election of regional representatives due to be held tomorrow.

The Council of State is mandated to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.

The council may also, upon request or on its own initiative, consider and make recommendations on any matter being considered or dealt with by the President, a Minister of State, or any other authority established by the Constitution.