Former Presidents should serve on Council of State – DCE
Mr James Gunu, the District Chief Executive of Akatsi North District, has advocated the appointment of former Presidents as members of the Council of State.
He said such appointments would “toughen” the Council and impact positively on its output.
Mr Gunu made the suggestion at a durbar of chiefs and traditional leaders of Dzodze to mark the 25th Anniversary of Torgbui Adzofia V, the Fiaga of Dzodze Traditional area.
The anniversary is on the theme, “Twenty-five Years of Rule – challenges and prospects.”
Mr Gunu said former Presidents remained great assets to the nation and ought to be given roles to continue to contribute to efforts at promoting good governance.
“We are fortunate to have two former Presidents now. We are likely to have more, how do we tap into their experiences?” Mr Gunu asked.
He said the opportunity to serve on the Council of State would offer former Presidents a chance to share their ideas and experiences with governments in power.
Mr Gunu said once our former Presidents were accepting international assignments, they should be ready and willing to continue to voluntarily serve the nation.
He said though the 1992 Constitution appeared silent on the role of former Presidents, they could be tasked to contribute to the country’s socio-political development.
Article 68(2) states that the President shall not, on leaving office as President, hold any office of profit or emolument, except with the permission of Parliament, in any establishment, either directly or indirectly, other than that of the State.
Article 89(1) provides for the formation of a Council of State to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.
Mr Gunu also proposed the institution of District House of Chiefs to minimise pressure on the Regional Houses of Chiefs and to give meaning to decentralisation in the chieftaincy institution.
He said that initiative would help provide quick resolution to chieftaincy succession challenges.
Source: GNA