Council of State Must Move Beyond Advising the President – Alhaji Mumuni Advocates Bold Reforms
Newly elected Northern Regional representative calls for an expanded role to enhance governance and foster stronger collaboration with Parliament
- Alhaji Mumuni advocates for the Council of State to engage more actively with Parliament and other government bodies
- Mumuni brings decades of governance expertise
- Highlights the Council’s potential to foster political stability
The newly elected Northern Regional representative on the Council of State, Alhaji Muhammed Mumuni, has called for a more expansive role for the Council, urging it to step beyond its current advisory mandate and contribute more significantly to national governance.
The Council of State, created under Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, is tasked with counseling the President on key national matters. The Constitution specifies, “There shall be a Council of State to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.”
While its advisory role is well-established, Alhaji Mumuni believes the Council’s potential remains largely untapped.
Speaking in an interview on February 11, 2025, he highlighted the need for a proactive approach, particularly in engaging other arms of government like Parliament.
“After 30 years of governance, we have seen what the Council can do. But we have also seen that it has not been allowed to operate to its full capacity. When you give advice, it can either be taken or rejected. While private counsel to the President is crucial, the Council should also collaborate with bodies like Parliament to make a broader impact,” he stated.
Reflecting on the Council’s role in mitigating the challenges of Ghana’s recent hung Parliament, Mumuni noted its potential as a mediator in fostering political stability. “We saw the Council of State make a brief appearance when they met the Speaker to cool tempers and bring about the necessary peace. The Council of State can do more,” he emphasized.
Following his electoral victory, Mumuni pledged to represent the Northern Region effectively and leverage his vast governance experience to revitalize the Council’s operations.
“I have served in multiple capacities—from Assemblymember to cabinet minister under the Rawlings and Mills administrations, and as a running mate. The Northern Region made no mistake in choosing me. I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to enhance the Council’s contributions to governance and support the President in steering this country forward. The reset agenda is truly on,” he affirmed.
