By Edzorna Francis Mensah
Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, an aspirant for the Council of State representing the Volta Region, has outlined several strategies to facilitate the region’s development and promote rapid growth.
Advocacy and Policy Development: In an exclusive interview, Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple promised to initiate policies aimed at supporting economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs tailored to the needs of the region.
He stated that, through collaboration, he would engage Assembly Members, businesses, and community-based organizations to identify and implement suitable projects that leverage resources and expertise effectively.
Employability and Entrepreneurship: Addressing issues of employability and entrepreneurship, Mr. Atokple proposed designing capacity-building mechanisms, including training and educational initiatives, to enhance skills within the local workforce.
Infrastructure Improvement: He emphasized prioritizing essential infrastructure projects such as transportation, utilities, and internet access to improve the region’s functionality and attractiveness.
Mr. Atokple also pledged to focus on sustainable development initiatives, community engagement, and the establishment of monitoring and evaluation metrics to assess the impact of these development efforts. These metrics, he noted, would enable his team to make informed adjustments and improvements over time to ensure steady progress.
Constitutional Context:
Chapter 9, Article 89(1) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution states: “There shall be a Council of State to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.” The Constitution specifically mandates the Council of State to “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.”
Additionally, the Council may, “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, Parliament, or any other authority established by the Constitution.”
Article 89(1)(c) of the Constitution specifies that one representative from each region of Ghana is to be elected by an electoral college comprising representatives from each district in the region, nominated by the District Assemblies in accordance with regulations made by the Electoral Commission under Article 51 of the Constitution.
Mission of the Council of State:
The mission of the Council of State is to provide credible, impartial, and timely advice to the President, Ministers of State, Parliament, and other public agencies to ensure responsible and accountable governance.
Functions of The Council
- Counsel H.E. The President and various arms of government on all matters of national interest
- Consider nominations for appointments by H.E. The President to Governing Boards and other state institutions.
- May consider and input into Bills before parliament
- Regular engagement with key public officials on policy management and operational matters
- Promote linkages, coordination and synergy among sector Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDA) through advice to political and other Heads of Public Sector institutions.
- Examine and monitor the implementation of policies and programmes of government and alert relevant officials on weaknesses, threats, and opportunities for appropriate action
- Mediation and conflict resolution to ensure national peace and harmony in government.
