Convenor of Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor has called for the abolition of the Council of State, arguing that the institution no longer serves the best interest of the country.
He believes the council, in its current form, exists primarily to benefit political elites rather than contribute meaningfully to governance.
According to him, the process of electing members to the Council of State has historically been flawed and unfair, making it difficult for genuine reformists to participate. However, he insists that constitutional reforms are necessary to scrap the council, as its continued existence is deeply embedded in Ghana’s governance structure.
He said without deliberate efforts to push for constitutional amendments, the council will continue to exist largely due to the financial benefits its members receive. With reports of members earning over GHS500,000 for attending only four meetings a year, he sees the institution as a burden on the state, particularly when compared to the financial struggles of public sector workers like teachers.
Despite his opposition to the council, Barker-Vormawor emphasizes the need for strategic engagement. He believes that those who support its abolition should actively participate in the process, using the council itself as a tool to push for its eventual dissolution. Without such efforts, he warns, the institution will remain intact, continuing to serve the interests of the privileged few at the expense of broader democratic progress.
