Nana Ampofo stated that the constitutional article creating the Council of State needed to be amended in order for some of the council's recommendations to become directives.
"While the Council of State should remain consultative in nature, there is a need to strengthen the council's teeth. It looks to have extremely ancient teeth, therefore its authority must be bolstered by the addition of more powerful teeth," he explained.
At the very least, he added, a constitutional clause may oblige the President to explain why he rejected a piece of advice from the council.
"In some circumstances, if the council feels strongly about something and advises the President on it, there must be a clause that will protect the President."
persuade the President to reconsider the subject, or force the President to renounce the notion," he explained.
Experience
Nana Ampofo spoke on the importance of the Council of State, recalling how the council on which he sat, which was chaired by the late Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, had advised President Jerry Rawlings at the time that the force used to disperse the Kumepreko rally was excessive.
"We also warned him at one time that in the Jemimah Yalley affair, he should have been more forgiving with then-Vice-President Arkaah."
"We reminded him of the country's general difficulties and questioned whether he knew how much a ball of kenkey cost," says the narrator.
"As courteous and honest as the former President was, he stated we were entitled to our view, but pledged that he would accept what we had told him," he continued.
Holders of office under Article 71
The President, Vice-President, Members of Parliament, Ministers of State, members of the Council of State, political appointees, and public officials with salaries paid to the Consolidated Fund but specific constitutional rights are all examples of Article 71 office holders.
The President, on the recommendations of a committee of not more than five people, will set the salaries and allowances of the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary paid from the Consolidated Fund, according to Article 71 (1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution.
personnel he appoints and who act on the advise of the State Council
The President authorizes the ex gratia of Parliament and other Article 71 holders, save for himself/herself, whereas Parliament approves the ex gratia of the President and the Executive.
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