The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced the start of the nomination process for the upcoming elections of regional representatives to the Council of State.

The submission of forms will begin on Tuesday, January 28, and conclude on Friday, February 3, 2025.

The elections, scheduled for February 11, 2025, will be conducted across all regional capitals in compliance with Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution. The EC has indicated that the exact venues for the polls in each region will be communicated in due course.

In a statement, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa outlined the nomination process, noting that interested candidates must submit their completed forms to the Regional Directors of their respective regions. The forms can be submitted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., as well as from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., within the designated period.

Candidates are also required to provide two copies of a recent bust-sized photograph with a red background, showing their full face and ears, along with their nomination forms. The completed documents must be delivered to the designated locations within the stated timelines.

The EC emphasized the importance of adhering to the submission guidelines and encouraged eligible individuals to actively participate in the process. "We urge all qualified candidates and voters to participate actively to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process," the statement concluded.

It is the role of the Council of State to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.

Per the law, the Council of State shall consist of—

(a) the following persons appointed by the President in consultation with Parliament—

(i) one person who has previously held the office of Chief Justice;

(ii) one person who has previously held the office of Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Ghana;

(iii) one person who has previously held the office of Inspector- General of Police;

(b) the President of the National House of Chiefs;

(c) one representative from each region of Ghana elected, in accordance with regulations made by the Electoral Commission under article 51 of this Constitution, by an electoral college comprising representatives from each of the districts in the region nominated by the District Assemblies in the region; and

(d) eleven other members appointed by the President.

The law states that the Council of State shall elect a chairman from among its members.