PRESIDENT J. A. Kufuor yesterday assured members of the Council of State that he would respect their constitutional position and count on their unvarnished advice in the governance of the country.

“I will not seek to demean your dignity by using you as my mouthpieces and errand persons,” he stated, apparently in reference to the widely held view that the council had, in the past, been a tool in the hands of the executive.

The President, who was swearing in 20 members of the council, underscored the importance of the august body, which, he stated, remains persuasive to date.

Among those who were sworn in are Prof Alex Kwapong, Alhaji Alhassan Bin-Salih, Mr Clement Tedam, Mr A. K. Deku, Madam Ama Busia and Madam Adisa Munkaila

The others are Mr Kwesi Armah, Prof Adzei Bekoe, Mr Francis Afoko, Zosali-Na Tia Sulemana, Nana Ogyeabuor Akompi Finam II, Ebenezer Sekyi-Hughes and Michael Adusah.

The rest are Naa Abayifa Karbo II, Dr Kofi Amanor Ansah, Nana Prah Agyensaim, Mr Fred Ofori-Atta Asante, Mr Benjamin Dapaah, Major-General Edwin Sam and Mr Kwaku Kyei.

Three others, Prof Albert Adu-Boahen, Mrs Emma Mitchell and Nana Otuo Siriboe were absent. Prof Adu-Boahen is reportedly ill while the other two are said to be outside the country.

The Council of State, a small body of prominent citizens of proven character, advises the President on national issues. It is analogous to the Council of Elders in the traditional political system.

President Kufuor acknowledged that such a non-partisan advisory body is crucial for the presidency and expressed the hope that the council would live up to expectation.

He noted that the body is widely representative and said even though they might have their individual political beliefs, their deliberations and advice should be objective and non-partisan as possible.

President Kufuor asked the members to consider whether it would be appropriate to admit the public to some of its meetings so that the public becomes aware of the manner and the factors that form the basis of the advice that the members tender to the President.

He said should this be possible, the public would learn a lot from watching and listening to how the august body conducts its affairs and learn from its style.

“The council will, at the very least, infuse the body politic with civility, proper use of language and dignified behaviour by opening their proceedings to public gaze,” the President said.

On behalf of the council members, Prof Kwapong thanked the President for the honour done them.

He said the members would espouse the neutrality, independence and, above all, the wisdom that are expected of them.