The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has formally requested that the composition of Ghana’s Council of State be restructured, specifically capping the number of presidential appointees at five. This demand stems from concerns that the current dominance of President‑appointed members dilutes the council’s effectiveness and its ability to respond to public expectations.
According to the union, the existing structure allows the President to appoint a majority of the council’s members, a practice the TUC argues undermines the body’s purpose. “The Council of State remains a useful organ of state that must be reformed to be effective at meeting the expectations of citizens,” the TUC said in its statement.
Further, the union highlighted that “the overwhelming dominance of presidential appointees on the Council is unhelpful.” It called for a comprehensive review of the council’s composition, insisting that the number of presidential appointees “must not be more than five.”
This push aligns with the TUC’s broader stance on proposed constitutional reforms, particularly Article 89(2), which outlines the council’s makeup. The union’s appeal seeks to recalibrate the balance of power within the advisory body, aiming for greater accountability and public trust.
While the government has yet to respond, the TUC’s call underscores a growing demand for institutional reforms that reflect citizen interests more accurately. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the council’s composition is adjusted in line with the union’s recommendations.
