Many re-elected to serve as Council of State members

The election of Council of State members was held on Wednesday across the country with some incumbent members being re-elected by their respective regions to represent them for another four years.

In the Upper East region, for instance, Bishop Jacob Kofi Ayeebo, who is the Anglican Bishop for the Tamale Diocese was re-elected to maintain his post. He polled 20 votes to beat his competitors Clement Abvana, a former director of the VRA and Naaba Srigi Bewong, paramount chief of Nangodi.

In the Northern region, Council of State representative Vo Naa Bawah Mohammed Baba was also given the chance to represent the region again. He went unopposed.

Naa Seidu Braimah, Guli Naa, was retained as the Council of State member for the Upper West region. He beat two other chiefs, Kuoro Barecheh Nlowie, and the Daffiama Naa John Domale, who is also counsel for the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs. Two people Mr Mike Tiataa Nagumo, a teacher, and Mr George Hickah Benson, the Upper West Regional Minister in the Kufuor administration withdrew from the competition.

Nana Asiama Poku Afrifa II, Toasehene was re-elected to represent the people of the Ashanti region. Two candidates withdrew remaining eight persons fighting for the slot. The other contestants were Mr. J. T. Sarkodie, former MP Subin Constituency, Nana Ameyaw Kotoko II, a traditional ruler, Mr Ali Arimi-Yawo, a technician, Mr Eric Oteng-Poku, a technician; Prof. Seth Opoku Asiamah, university lecturer, Rev Dr Seth Frimpong Coleman, a reverend minister and educationist, and Kwasi Ofori Agyemang Boadi, a youth activist.

In the Western Region, 59 year old Mr. George Kofi Dadzie was reelected. He beat Madam Paulina Asmah, 55, trader and a 49-year old Court Bailiff, Mr Isaiah Quansah. 54-year old Former MP for Evalue-Gwira, Mr Kojo Armah pulled out of the contest.

The elected members expressed their appreciation to the delegates and assured them that they will continue to represent the interests of their respective regions at all times.

The Electoral Commission opened nominations last month for all interested persons to file and contest to be elected to the Council. The contest to elect regional representatives to the Council of State would see only one person representing a region