Accra, Ghana – Alhaji Muhammed Mumuni, the newly elected Northern Regional representative on the Council of State, has called for the Council to expand its role in national governance beyond simply advising the President.
He believes the Council has the potential to contribute more significantly to the country’s development.
The Council of State, as defined by Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution, is mandated to “counsel the President in the performance of his functions.” While acknowledging the Council’s current role in shaping national policy, Mumuni argues that its full potential is not being realized.
He advocated for more active engagement with other government bodies, particularly Parliament. “After 30 years of governance, we have seen what it can do. But we have also seen that it has not been allowed to operate in the full sense,” he stated.
He acknowledged the confidential nature of advising the President, but suggested a greater role for the Council in mediating and collaborating with other branches of government.
“When you give advice, it can either be taken or rejected. So, to be fair to the President, advice must necessarily be in-camera, which is okay. But we believe that the Council of State should engage more with other bodies like Parliament. For instance, with the challenge we had with the hung Parliament, we helped a lot. We saw the Council of State make a brief appearance when they went to meet the Speaker to try to cool tempers and bring about the necessary peace. We believe that the Council of State can do more,” he explained.
Mumuni expressed his commitment to effectively representing the Northern Region, drawing on his extensive experience in governance, from Assembly member and presiding member to serving in two cabinets (Rawlings and Mills administrations) and as a running mate.
“I believe the Northern Region could not make a mistake with the person they are sending,” he affirmed. “I have no doubt that I will contribute my quota, experience, and the knowledge I have gathered along the way to enhance the work of the Council of State in helping the President administer this country. The reset agenda is truly on.”
