Professor Ransford Gyampo, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, has expressed hope that the newly appointed Council of State will meet expectations and be effective in its duties.

He shared his optimism, noting that President John Mahama is a listening leader, and the members of the new Council share similar characteristics.

"I have a certain optimism that this particular Council of State will work," he stated.

He explained that "There is a wide difference between the personas of Nana Akufo-Addo and John Mahama. What I know about the two of them is that one listens, and the other does not. President Akufo-Addo wouldn’t listen, but President Mahama will. So, if President Mahama is listening, I am confident the Council will work."

When asked by Winston Amoah, a co-host of Joy FM's Super Morning Show, how he came to the conclusion that the Council of State would be successful under President Mahama’s leadership, Prof. Gyampo explained, "I know this because I have lived in Ghana for a long time, and I have done my research."

He further added, "On a general scale, what I know is that, in terms of listening and adhering to advice, I trust President Mahama more than President Akufo-Addo."

Prof. Gyampo also claimed that individuals close to President Akufo-Addo had informed him that his public comments on national issues had reached the President while he was in office, but that the President failed to give them any consideration.

He was told, he said, that President Akufo-Addo "is someone who cannot simply listen to or take advice from people who are not part of his government."

According to Prof. Gyampo, the listening nature of President Mahama will enable the Council of State to succeed in its role.

President Mahama has officially sworn in the newly appointed and elected members of the Council of State.

This follows their appointment under Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution and their successful election as representatives of the 16 regions during the Council of State elections.