The newly inaugurated Council of State has elected Omanhene of Asante Juaben, Nana Otuo Siriboe II as its Chairman.
He was chosen unanimously at the maiden meeting of the Council after the President swore in members on Monday.
A communiqué announcing the decision of the Council indicated that “the newly inaugurated seventh Council of State under the 4th Republic has duly elected a Chairman in the person of Nana Otuo Siriboe II Omanhene of Asante Juaben II was unanimous taking into account his vast experience across the years in the fields of business, governance and chieftaincy and the fact that he had previously served as a member of the Council of State for two terms.
[contextly_sidebar id=”NNedGkLAVupLdU0qOJ13Li5fDr5dlZBF”]”From 2001 to 2009, Nana has served Ghana, the Ashanti Kingdom, and the Juaben stool in various capacities for over 46 years,” the communique added.
The appointment follows the swearing in of members of the Council of State which came with a call from President Nana Akufo Addo for the Council not to sign his praises but criticize his decisions fairly.
Swearing them in at the Flagstaff House on Monday, the President said he is hopeful the advice from the Council will propel Ghana to greater heights.
“It is important therefore that regardless of whatever your background, you will discharge your duties dispassionately. This means that the council has a great responsibility. It will be easy to fall into the well-known temptation of telling the president what you think he wants to hear.”
“It will be equally tempting to tell the president he is the best thing that ever happened to Ghana, and it will be even more tempting to tell the president to ignore his critics. I expect this council will not walk this road,” he said.
The President further charged the Council to discharge its duties without fear or favour.
“I look forward very much to working with the council that will offer me straight forward advice based on unvarnished truth. I’m looking forward to working with a council that will help all of us deepen our democracy and I’m looking forwarding to working with the council that will help us deliver a prosperous Ghana. Such council should not give advice to a president, the effect of which is to undermine the independence of any of the other arms of government especially the judiciary,” he added.
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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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