The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has urged the Council of State to play a pivotal role in resetting the nation's governance system.
She said that there was a need for a paradigm shift in the country's governance structure, where priority would be given to national development over partisan interests.
In line with that, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang charged the council to redefine its role of shaping government policies by prioritising national interests over short-term gains.
The Vice-President was addressing members of the council at an orientation ceremony at Peduase, in the Eastern Region yesterday.
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The event, which was held at the Peduase Valley Resort, marked the beginning of the council's work.
Over the next few days, members will undergo training and capacity-building sessions to equip them for their roles.
The council's work is expected to have a significant impact on the country's governance and development agenda.
Constitutional reforms
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also highlighted the importance of constitutional reforms to ensure a balance of power among the arms of government, address local governance inefficiencies and establish mechanisms for sustained national development.
The Ninth Council of State is expected to provide strategic guidance to the President and also contribute towards shaping government policies.
The council's membership includes prominent citizens from various fields such as politics, law, diplomacy, business and traditional leadership.
National interest
The Chairman of the Council of State, Edward Adjaho, entreated members to prioritise the nation's interest by providing selfless service to the country.
He emphasised the importance of transparency, collaboration, and the need to put people first in their deliberations.
"We have been entrusted with a sacred responsibility to provide guidance and advice to the President," the chairman noted. "It is imperative that we approach this task with the utmost sense of duty, integrity and selflessness."
Mr Adjaho, who is a former Speaker of Parliament, also reminded members of the country's challenges and expectations of the people, adding "We must be guided by the turmoil in the sub-region and the citizens' mistrust in the political class and leadership".
He, therefore, emphasised the need for the council to work in collaboration with other stakeholders, including the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, to ensure that their advice and recommendations were informed and effective.
