# Council of State (Ghana)

The Council of State in Ghana is a body of prominent citizens, analogous to the Council of Elders in the traditional political system, which advises the president on national issues.
The Council of State was established by Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana: "There shall be a Council of State to counsel the President in the performance of his functions."

## Membership

The Council of State should include a former Chief Justice of Ghana, a former Chief of the Defence Staff and a former Inspector General of Police and the president of the National House of Chiefs. Each region of Ghana also has an elected representative. The President of Ghana also appoints eleven members. Members stay in office until the term of office of the president ends.
Every four years, the Electoral Commission of Ghana organises elections to fill the elected positions. There is an Electoral College formed in every region to elect their representative. The College is made up of two representatives nominated by each District Assembly. Any registered voter who is a citizen of Ghana is qualified to stand for election. Nominations for each person must be proposed and seconded by two registered voters from the region and be supported by a further twenty voters from the region. The voting by the Electoral College is usually held at the Regional Capital.

## Meetings

The council is required to meet four times a year. It can also meet if requested by the President of Ghana, the Parliament of Ghana or by at least five sitting members of the council. There should be more than half the members of the Council at a meeting to form a quorum. Decisions of the council are valid if voted for by the majority of members present at the meeting. The Council regulates its own procedures subject to the provisions of the Ghana Constitution.

## Current members

Following the change of government in January 2025, the membership of the Council of State will be changing. Elections are being held for the elected regional representatives on 11 February 2025 in all regional capitals. The new President will also be nominating his eleven appointees to the Council. 154 people made up of 144 men and 10 women contested the elected positions in all 16 regions. In 2025, the total membership of the Electoral College in all regions was 522, consisting of 2 voters from each District Assembly. The election in the Ashanti Region did not occur as scheduled as thugs disrupted proceedings and destroyed materials. There was a tie in North Eastern Region so a re-run was scheduled for 13 February 2025. The final list of elected members and those appointed by Mahama were sworn in on 18 February 2025 at Jubilee House.
Elected members :
| Name | Term | Comments |
| Yaw Okyere | 11 Feb 2025 - present | Ahafo Region |
| Yaw Owusu Obimpeh | 19 Feb 2025 - present | Ashanti Region |
| Odeneho Afram Brempong III (aka Kusi Boachie Yiadom) | 11 Feb 2025 - present | Bono Region Paramount Chief of the Suma Traditional Area Assistant Registrar in charge of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Energy and Natural Resources |
| Nana Pimampim Yaw Kabrese V | 11 Feb 2025 - present | Bono East region. Paramount Chief of the Yeji Traditional Area President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs |
| Habib Hakeem | 11 Feb 2025 - present | Central Region A miner |
| Evelyn Korang | 11 Feb 2025 - present | Eastern Region |
| Nene Drolor Bosso Adamtey I (aka Kingsley A. Fletcher) | 11 Feb 2025 - present | Greater Accra Region International Consultant, Author and Public Speaker |
| Saaka Abuba | 19 Feb 2025 - present | North East Region. |
| Muhammad Mumuni | 11 Feb 2025 - present | Northern Region Foreign Minister under President Mills |
| Richard Kings Atikpo | Feb 2021 – present | Oti Region. First person to represent the Region. Only member re-elected in 2025. |
| Tingawura Samson Seidu Abudu | 11 Feb 2025 – present | Savannah Region Chief of Tinga |
| Thomas More Pe Adiale Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, Chiana Pio | 11 Feb 2025 - present | Upper East Region Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs |
| Michael Kwame Mumuni | 11 Feb 2025 – present | Upper West Region |
| Tanko Kwamigah Atokple | | Volta Region. Businessman |
| Maxwell Boakye | 11 Feb 2025 – present | Western Region. |
| Michael Aidoo | 11 Feb 2025 - present | Western North Region |
| Appointed members |||
| Edward Adjaho | 19 Feb 2025 - present | Former Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana (Volta Region) |
| Cletus Avoka | 19 Feb 2025 - present | Former MP for Zebilla (Upper East Region) |
| Betty Mould-Iddrisu | 19 Feb 2025 - present | Former Attorney General (Ashanti Region) |
| Vida Akoto-Bamfo | 19 Feb 2025 - present | Former Supreme Court judge (Greater Accra Region) |
| Eunice Brookman-Amissah | 19 Feb 2025 - present | Former Minister for Health (Central Region) |
| Molly Anim Addo | 19 Feb 2025 - present | Former Ambassador (Greater Accra Region) |
| Daasebre Boamah Darko | 19 Feb 2025 - present | Chief of Akyem Kukuratumi (Eastern Region) |
| Osabarima Kwesi Attah II | 19 Feb 2025 - present | Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area (Central Region) |
| Mankpanwura Jakpa Achor-Ade Borenyi I | 19 Feb 2025 - present | Paramount Chief of the Mankpan Traditional Area (Savannah Region) |
| Cynthia Komley Adjetey | 19 Feb 2025 - present | (Greater Accra Region) |
| Nana Saa Gyamfuaa II | 19 Feb 2025 - present | Queen Mother of Ayima Traditional Area (Bono Region) |
| Ex-Officio Members |||
| Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II | 12 Nov 2020 - present | President of the National House of Chiefs Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area |
| Air Marshall Michael Samson-Oje | 19 Feb 2025 - present | former Chief of the Defence Staff |
| Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan | 19 Feb 2025 - present | former Inspector General of Police |
| Sophia Akuffo | 19 Feb 2025 - present | former Chief Justice of Ghana |

## Past members of the Council of State
### 2021 to 2025

The membership from the past four years was sworn in by President Nana Akufo-Addo on 23 February 2021 at the Jubilee House. The vacant position reserved for former Chief Justice of Ghana was filled following the appointment of Georgina Theodora Wood following her retirement.
Elected members :
| Region | Name | Term | Comments |
| Ahafo Region | Yaw Basoa | Feb 2021 – 6 Jan 2025 | First person to represent the Region |
| Ashanti Region | Nana Owusu Achiaw Brempong | Feb 2017–6 Jan 2025 | |
| Ashanti Region | Nana Asiama Poku Afrifa | March 2009 - Jan 2017 | |
| Ashanti Region | Benjamin Asonaba Dapaah | 2001 - Jan 2009 | Transport Owner |
| Bono Region | Kwadwo Agyenim Boateng | Feb 2017–Jan2025 | He represented Brong Ahafo Region from 2017 until the region got divided into 3 regions. |
| Bono East Region | Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV | 2021 – 6 Jan 2025 | A court injunction delayed this seat being occupied. |
| Brong Ahafo Region | Kwadwo Agyenim Boateng | Feb 2017 - 6 Jan 2021 | Also represented Bono Region from 2021 |
| Brong Ahafo Region | Nana Saa Gyamfuaa II | Feb 2013 - Jan 2017 | |
| Brong Ahafo Region | J. H. Owusu-Acheampong | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | former Regional Minister, Provisional National Defence Council |
| Brong Ahafo Region | Michael Kwadwo Adusah | 2001 - Jan 2009 | Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police |
| Central Region | Emmanuel Baidoo (Odeefuo Afankwa III) | Feb 2021 – 6 Jan 2025 | |
| Central Region | Obrempong Appiah Nuamah II | Feb 2017–Feb 2021 | |
| Central Region | Percival Alfred Kuranchie | Feb 2013 - Jan 2017 | |
| Central Region | Ato Essuman | 2005 - Jan 2013 | Management consultant |
| Eastern Region | Paa Kofi Ansong | Feb 2021 – 6 Jan 2025 | |
| Eastern Region | Nana Somuah Mireku- Nyampong | Feb 2017 – Jan 2021 | |
| Eastern Region | Nana Kodua Kesse II | Feb 2013 – Jan 2017 | |
| Eastern Region | Osabarima Owusu Gyamadu III | March 2009 – Jan 2013 | |
| Eastern Region | Fredrick Guggisberg Yaw Ofori-Atta | 2005 - Jan 2009 | Industrial Relations Practitioner |
| Greater Accra Region | E. T. Mensah | Feb 2021 – 6 Jan 2025 | |
| Greater Accra Region | Nii Kotei Dzani | Feb 2017 – Feb 2021 | |
| Greater Accra Region | Emmanuel Adzei-Anang | 2009 - Jan 2017 | |
| Greater Accra Region | John Sackah Addo | 2005 - Jan 2009 | Former governor of the Bank of Ghana |
| North East Region | Azumah Namoro Sanda | Feb 2021 – 6 Jan 2025 | First person to represent the Region. |
| Northern Region | Mahamoud Tahiru (Zung Lana) | Feb 2021– 6 Jan 2025 | |
| Northern Region | Bo-Na Professor Yakubu S. Nantogma | Feb 2017 - Feb 2021 | |
| Northern Region | Vo-Naa Bawah Mohammed Baba | March 2009 - Jan 2017 | |
| Northern Region | Naa Sebiyam Nabila | 2005 - Jan 2009 | |
| Savannah Region | Adam Zakariah | Feb 2021 – 6 Jan 2025 | First person to represent the Region. |
| Upper East Region | Tong-Raan Kugbilsong Nalebegtang | Feb 2021 – 6 Jan 2025 | |
| Upper East Region | The Rt. Rev. Dr Jacob Kofi Ayeebo | March 2009 - Jan 2017 | |
| Upper East Region | Francis Asianab Afoko | 2005 - Jan 2009 | Businessman |
| Upper West Region | Daniel Anlieu-Mwine Bagah | Feb 2021 – 6 Jan 2025 | |
| Upper West Region | Kuoro Richard Babini Kanton IV | Feb 2017–Jan 2021 | |
| Upper West Region | Guli-Naa Seidu Bhat Braimah | Feb 2009 - Jan 2017 | Former District Chief Executive for Wa Municipal (Longest Serving DCE). (Chief of Guli Traditional area) |
| Upper West Region | Naa Seidu Braimah | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | |
| Upper West Region | Kuoro Kuri-Buktie Limann IV | 2005 - Jan 2009 | Paramount Chief of Gwollu Traditional Area |
| Volta Region | Francis Albert Seth Nyonyo | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | |
| Volta Region | Togbui Binah Lawluvi VI | 2013 - Jan 2017 | Paramount Chief of Ziope Traditional area Lawyer and lecturer at Ho Polytechnic President of Volta Regional Chapter of Association of Rural Banks |
| Volta Region | Bernard Kwasi Glover | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | |
| Volta Region | Togbe Kpangbatriku III | 2005 - Jan 2009 | Paramount Chief of Dodome Traditional Area |
| Western Region | Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah- Hinneh | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | There was a tie for this position in the election. Owner of Labianca Company |
| Western Region | George Kofi Dadzie | March 2009 - Jan 2017 | |
| Western Region | Paul Kwabena Damoah | 2005 - Jan 2009 | Agriculturist |
| Western North region | Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II | Feb 2021 – 6 Jan 2025 | First person to represent the Region. |
| Appointed members ||||
| Appointing President | Name | Term | Comments |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Nana Otuo Siriboe II | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 (also 2001 - 2009) | Paramount Chief of Asante-Juaben Traditional Area Former Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Elected chairman by the council in 2017 and re-elected in 2021 |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Sam Okudzeto | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | former president of the Ghana Bar Association |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Stanley Nii Adjiri Blankson | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | former mayor of Accra |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Mrs. Alberta Cudjoe | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Alhaji Aminu Amadu | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Margaret Amoakohene | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | School of Communication Studies, University of Ghana, Legon; |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Mrs. Georgina Kusi | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Alhaji Sule Yiremiah | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Justice Ofei Akrofi | Feb 2021–Jan2025 | Anglican Archbishop |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Ato Essuman | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Kuoro Richard Babini Kanton VI | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | Tumu Kuoro and elected member for Upper West Region from 2017 - 2021 |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Paa Kofi Ansong | Feb 2017 - Feb 2021 | |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Nana Kofi Obiri Egyir II | Feb 2017 - Feb 2021 | Sanaa Lodge |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (2017 — 2025) | Alhaji Sahanun Moqtar | Feb 2017 – Feb 2021 | |
| John Mahama (2012 — 2017) | John Henry Martey Newman | Feb 2013 - Jan 2017 | Former Chairman of the Council former Chief of Staff under the late President John Mills |
| John Mahama (2012 — 2017) | Nana Osei Asibey | Feb 2013 - Jan 2017 | Daabosohene, Ashanti Region |
| John Mahama (2012 — 2017) | Cecilia Johnson | Feb 2013 - Jan 2017 | Chairman of the Council of State (2013 to 2017) former Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Brong-Ahafo Region |
| John Mahama (2012 — 2017) | Ama Benyiwa Doe | Feb 2013 - Jan 2017 | former Central Regional Minister & former Central Region representative |
| John Mahama (2012 — 2017) | Abraham Kweku Edusei | Feb 2013 - Jan 2017 | Eastern Region |
| John Mahama (2012 — 2017) | Rabiatu Deinyo Armah | Feb 2013 - Jan 2017 | Greater Accra Region |
| John Mahama (2012 — 2017) | Rasheed Sulemana Mahama | Feb 2013 - Jan 2017 | Tuluwewura, Northern Region |
| John Mahama (2012 — 2017) | David Kanga | 2013 - Jan 2017 | Upper East Region |
| John Mahama (2012 — 2017) | Edward Nminyuor Gyader | 2013- Jan 2017 | Upper West Region |
| John Mahama (2012 — 2017) | Patrick Enyonam Agboba (Togbe Sri III) | 2013 - Jan 2017 | Volta Region |
| John Mahama (2012 — 2017) | Okogyeman Kweku Gyamerah III | February 2013 - Jan 2017 | Sefwi Chiranohene, Western Region |
| John Mahama (2012 — 2017) | Abraham Kwaku Adusei | | |
| John Atta Mills (2009 — 2012) | Mrs Victoria Addy | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | |
| John Atta Mills (2009 — 2012) | Hajara Musah Ali | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | |
| John Atta Mills (2009 — 2012) | Mrs Cecilia Johnson | March 2009 – Jan 2013 | former Minister for Local Government and Rural Development |
| John Atta Mills (2009 — 2012) | George Akilagpa Sawyerr | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana |
| John Atta Mills (2009 — 2012) | Mahama Iddrisu | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | former member of PNDC and Defence Minister |
| John Atta Mills (2009 — 2012) | Nana Akuoko Sarpong | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | former Secretary for Chieftaincy Affairs Omanhene of Agogo Traditional Area |
| John Atta Mills (2009 — 2012) | Otumfuor Baidoo Bonso XV | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | |
| John Atta Mills (2009 — 2012) | Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | |
| John Atta Mills (2009 — 2012) | Nii Amoo Darku | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | |
| John Atta Mills (2009 — 2012) | Asoma Abu Banda | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | |
| John Atta Mills (2009 — 2012) | Kofi Awoonor | March 2009 - Jan 2013 | Chairman of Council of State (2009 - 2013) former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and retired University lecturer |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Naa Thomas Tia Sulemana | 2005 - Jan 2009 | Zosali-Na |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Nana Ogyeabuor Akompi Finam II | 2001 - Jan 2005 | |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Naa Abayifa Karbo II | 2001-2005 | |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Kofi Amanor Ansah | 2001-2005 | |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Nana Prah Agyensaim | 2001-2005 | |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Nana Otuo Siribour II | 2005- Jan 2009 also 2017 - 2025 | Paramount Chief of Asante-Juaben Traditional Area and former lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Fred Ofori-Atta Asante | 2001-2005 | |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Albert Adu Boahen | 2001-2004 | Retired University of Ghana lecturer |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Emma Mitchell | 2001-2005 | Former Minister for Trade and Industry |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Alhaji Alhassan Bin-Salih | 2001 - Jan 2009 | |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Clement Kubindiwor Tedam | 2001 - Jan 2009 | former Minister of Local Government, (SMC) and Educationist |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Anthony K. Deku | 2001 - Jan 2009 | Former Commissioner of Police (CID) |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Kwesi Armah | 2001 - Jan 2009 | Former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and a Barrister-at-Law |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Samuel Asante-Antwi | 2005 - Jan 2009 | Immediate-Past Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Daniel Adzei Bekoe | 2001 - Jan 2009 | Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Alexander Kwapong | 2001 - 2004 | former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Ama Bame Busia | 2001 - Jan 2009 | a former Principal Domestic Bursar, University of Ghana |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie | 2005- Jan 2009 | Past President of the Ghana Journalists Association and a member of the Media Commission |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Cecilia Bannerman | 2005- Jan 2009 | Former Minister of Mines |
| John Kufuor (2001 — 2009) | Adisa Munkaila | 2001 - 2005 | Former Minister for Labour, Youth and Social Welfare (1981) & Secretary for Labour and Social Welfare (PNDC) |
| Ex-Officio members ||||
| Position | Name | Term | Comments |
| former Chief Justice of Ghana | Georgina Theodora Wood | June 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | Appointed by Nana Akufo-Addo |
| former Chief of the Defence Staff | General J.B. Danquah | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | Appointed by Nana Akufo-Addo |
| former Chief of the Defence Staff | Seth Kofi Obeng | March 2013 - Jan 2017 | Appointed by John Mahama |
| former Chief of the Defence Staff | Lt General Arnold Quainoo | 2009-Jan 2013 | former member of PNDC Appointed by John Atta Mills |
| former Chief of the Defence Staff | Major-General Edwin Sam | 2001 - Jan 2009 | Appointed by John Kufuor |
| former IGP | Nana Owusu-Nsiah | Feb 2017 – 6 Jan 2025 | Appointed by Nana Akufo-Addo |
| former IGP | Christopher Komla Dewornu | March 2013 - 6 Jan 2017 | Appointed by John Mahama |
| former IGP | Peter Nanfuri | 2009 - 6 Jan 2013 | Appointed by John Atta Mills |
| former IGP | Kwaku Kyei | 2001 - 6 Jan 2009 | Appointed by John Kufuor |
| President, National House Of Chiefs | Togbe Afede XIV | 2016 - 2020 | |
| President, National House Of Chiefs | John Naa Sebiyam Nabila | 2008 - 2016 | Chief of the Kpasenkpe traditional area and retired academic, University of Ghana |
| President, National House Of Chiefs | Odeneho Gyapong Ababio II | 2001 - 2008 | Omanhene of Sefwi-Bekwai Traditional Area |
| President, National House Of Chiefs | Odeefuo Boaponsem | 1999 - 2001 | Denkyirahene |
| President, National House Of Chiefs | Poure Puobe VII | 1999 | Paramount chief of Nandom |
| President, National House Of Chiefs | Osagyefo Kuntunkununku II | 1998 - 1999 | Okyenhene, Paramount chief of Akyem - Abuakwa |
| President, National House Of Chiefs | Nana Oduro Nimapau II | 1993 - 1998 | Paramount chief of Esumeja (Esumejahene) President of National House of Chiefs from 1992 to 1998 |
| Other past members ||||
| Position | Name | Term | Comments |
| | Mumuni Bawumia | 1993 - 2001 | former Chairman of the Council of State |
| | Fati Jawula | | Rawlings government era |
| | Ramatu Baba | | Nkrumah government era |
| | Eric Kwamina Otoo | 1993 - ? | Former diplomat |
| | Susanna Al-Hassan | 1993 - ? | First female Ghanaian minister |
| | Annie Jiagge | 1993 - 1996 | First female judge in Ghana |
| | Mary Grant | 1993 - 2001 | Doctor and former minister |
| | Daasebre Oti Boateng | 1993 - ? | Omanhene of New Juaben and former Government Statistician |