By Josephine Kekeli Amuzu
The Volta Region Council of State nominee, Gabriel Atokple Kwamigah Tanko has dismissed claims that age should be a deciding factor in selecting members of the Council of State, emphasizing that experience and expertise are what truly matters.
Speaking on Joy FM’s PM Express on Tuesday, February 11, he pointed out that the 1992 Constitution does not impose any age restrictions on those seeking to represent their region on the advisory body.
“You would agree with me that Article 89 of our Constitution, which makes provisions for the Council of State, has been clear. If you look at the provisions, no age factor has been put there,” he stated.
He stated that the most important qualification is the ability to provide informed and strategic advice to the President.
“So far as you qualify to contest, you have the liberty to contest and represent your region on the council. I believe it’s about expertise.
“I believe it’s about how best you can also help the President to be able to, as it were, provide this advisory role for him in the discharge of his duties,” he explained.
He underscored his deep understanding of the Council’s key functions, which, according to him, go beyond simply offering advice to the President.
“I’ve gone beyond to at least understand the core functions of the Council. The key to these functions is the House Affairs Committee. There’s going to be a Social Intervention Committee and then an Economic Committee,” he said.
Mr Kwamigah Tanko maintained that being an effective member of the Council of State requires a strong grasp of these crucial areas.
“I believe all of these areas have to do with your expertise to see how, at the end of the day, you are considered to be a member of this council to offer your advice to the President. So basically, it’s about experience. It hasn’t got to do with age,” he stated.
