Inusah Fuseini, former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has stated that while the Council of State is an important institution designed to aid in the governance of the country, it has become weak over the years.

He explained that, rather than fulfilling its role as an advisory body to the president and as a support mechanism for parliament, the Council has been undermined by individuals with conflicting ambitions that detract from its intended purpose.

“Potentially, it is a very important institution, but it has been rendered weak by the unnecessary politicisation of that institution and the overbearing influence of the executive,” Fuseini said during an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, February 12.

He emphasised that the Council of State remains a “potentially useful institution,” but has been diminished due to political interference.

Elections for regional representation on the Council of State were held on Tuesday, but the process was marred by violence and confusion in some regions.

In the Ashanti region, thugs stormed the election centre, destroyed voting materials and allegedly assaulted journalists covering the event. The Electoral Commission (EC) was forced to suspend the election in the region, and a new date has yet to be determined.

Read also: Kumasi: Council of State election halted due to chaos, journalists allegedly beaten

Similarly, the Greater Accra region saw clashes between supporters of different candidates, while there were allegations of vote-buying in the Volta region.

Other regions successfully organised the election and elected young people as representatives.