The Paramount Chief of Tongo Traditional Area, Tong-Raana Kugbilsong Nalebegtang, and other 12 persons across the Upper East Region have so far picked up nomination forms from the Electoral Commission to contest this year’s Council of State elections to be held on February 9.

Filing of nomination is by the close of work January 26. So far, 13 persons have picked forms for the election. The youngest is 34 years old and the oldest is 71 years old.

A former legislator and the current paramount of tongo, His Royal Highness Tong-Raana Kugbilsong Nalebegtang with experience in local governance, oil, gas and mining and, lately, traditional affairs has hinted he wanted to be part of people who will advise the president of Ghana.

This is the reason behind him picking a form to contest the February 9 elections.

The current elected representative of the Upper East Region is Rt. Rev. Dr Jacob Kofi Ayeebo, who has served both in late President John Atta Mills’ government and Former President John Mahama’s.

In accordance with regulations set by the Electoral Commission, and with the backing of Article 51 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Commission settled on February 9, 2017 as the day for the election.

Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution provides for the existence of the Council of State to advise the President of the Republic of Ghana in the performance of his or her functions.

A total of 10 members of the Council of State shall be elected to represent each of the 10 regions of Ghana by an electoral college made up of 2 persons from the various districts in Region, nominated by the District Assembly.

In the case of the Upper East Region, a total of 26 voters made up of 2 persons from the 13 districts will participate in the process to select one person to represent the Region on the Council of State for a four-year term.

It is not clear if all the 13 persons, who have picked up nomination forms, will submit them to the Commission by the January 26 deadline.