The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has called for changes to the composition of the Council of State, arguing that the existing arrangement effectively allows the President to select his own principal advisers.

In its constitutional review statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the policy think tank backed a proposal to restructure the Council to provide wider institutional and regional representation.

The Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Prof H. Kwasi Prempeh, proposed a 33-member Council of State comprising representatives of Parliament, traditional authorities, agriculture, industry and commerce, organised labour, faith-based organisations, professional bodies, academia and civil society.

The proposal would also retain elected regional representatives.

The government rejected the recommendation, maintaining that the Council’s existing composition provides an appropriate balance and limits executive control.

The IEA, however, disagreed, saying: “The IEA disagrees with a system that effectively allows the President to choose his own principal advisers.”

It said the Council should be constituted through institutional representation, modelled on the traditional councils of chiefs, alongside representatives elected from the regions.

The Institute’s position forms part of its proposals for reducing presidential influence over public institutions and strengthening inclusive, accountable governance under a reviewed Constitution.