IEA opposes system allowing President to choose principal advisers on Council of State

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has urged alterations to the Council of State's composition, contending that the current setup enables the President to appoint his preferred advisers. In a constitutional review statement released on September 2, 2026, the IEA backed a proposal to reform the Council to ensure broader institutional and regional representation.

The Constitution Review Committee, led by Prof H. Kwasi Prempeh, suggested a 33-member Council of State made up of representatives from various sectors such as Parliament, traditional authorities, agriculture, industry and commerce, organized labour, faith-based organizations, professional bodies, academia, and civil society. The proposal would also maintain elected regional representatives.

However, the government rejected this recommendation, asserting that the Council's present composition strikes an equitable balance and curtails executive dominance. Despite this, the IEA remained firm in its stance, stating, "The IEA disagrees with a system that effectively allows the President to choose his own principal advisers."

The IEA believes the Council should be composed through institutional representation, akin to the traditional councils of chiefs, along with representatives elected from the regions. This perspective is part of the IEA's broader proposal to curb presidential influence over public institutions and promote inclusive, accountable governance under a revised Constitution.