Greater Accra elects Council of State Representative

Accra, Feb. 8, GNA - The Electoral Commission (EC) on Tuesday declared Mr John Sackah Addo, a former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, as the Greater Accra Regional representative to the Council of State.

Mr Addo was returned unopposed at the close of nominations on January 26, and was duly declared as elected in accordance with the Public Elections Regulations (CI15, Section 10) by the Greater Accra EC Director, Ms Laurencia Kpatakpah.

Making the declaration at the Regional Electoral College organized by the EC in conjunction with the Regional Coordinating Council in Accra, Ms Kpatakpah said: "Where at the expiration of the time allowed for the delivery of nomination papers and on the day before the election only one candidate stands nominated, that candidate shall be declared elected."

She said: "Where at the expiration of the time allowed for the delivery of nomination papers and on the day before the election two or more candidates stand nominated, a poll shall be taken in the manner provided by these Regulations and in accordance with any existing applicable laws."

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Ms Kpatakpah said a candidate must be a citizen of Ghana, a registered voter and of sound mind. He or she must be resident in or hail from the Region for which he or she was seeking to represent and should not have been adjudged or declared bankrupt.

A candidate should not have been convicted for a high crime or treason or of any offence punishable by death or by a sentence of more than 10 years.

Ms Kpatakpah said a report of commission or committee of inquiry must not have found the candidate to be incompetent to hold public office. He or she must not be a member of the Electoral College constituted to elect the regional representative.

The term of office of the Council of State expires at the end of the term of the President with whom it served.

Mr J. S. Addo in his acceptance speech commended the Regional Coordinating Council, the Regional House of Chiefs, members of the six District Assemblies, and some prominent citizens of the Region for the support.

He said: "The promotion of the Region on the educational and developmental ladder would be paramount on my agenda as a member of the Council of State."

Mr Addo called for the cooperation of all citizens of the Region for rapid development of Accra and its environs.

Council of State Member-Elect is the Chairman of the Board of the following institutions: Prudential Bank Limited; J. S. Addo Consultants Limited; Social Security and National Insurance Trust; Donewell Insurance Company Limited.

Mr I. C. Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister - Designate; Ms Teresa Tagoe, Acting Deputy Minister of Lands and Forestry; Traditional Rulers, two delegates each from the six Districts of the Region, Assembly Members and a cross-section of the public attended the function.