A Council of State nominee for the Volta Region has dismissed suggestions that age should be a determining factor in selecting members for the advisory body, stating that experience and expertise are what truly matter.

Gabriel Atokple Kwamigah Tanko speaking on Joy FM’s PM Express on Tuesday, February 11, made it clear that the 1992 Constitution does not prescribe any age requirement for those seeking to represent their region on the Council of State.

“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.

For Mr Kwamigah Tanko, 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. Key amongst these functions has to do with 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.