Kufuor proposes second chamber to strengthen oversight in Ghana’s governance
11th March 2026
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has proposed the creation of a second chamber in Ghana’s governance structure, arguing that such a body could provide stronger oversight and improve accountability in government.
According to him, the current advisory arrangement through the Council of State does not provide enough transparency or public scrutiny.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Emefa Adeti on JoyNews, the former president expressed concern that the Council of State’s closed-door (in-camera) meetings make it difficult for the public to know what advice is given to the President.
“In spite of the fact that the committee is composed of quite distinguished people, somehow the perception is that it is more or less mandated to advise just the executive, the president, and meet the president in-camera,” he said.
Call for Broader Oversight
Mr Kufuor suggested that Ghana could benefit from a second legislative-style chamber made up of individuals selected for their expertise and experience rather than through elections.
Unlike Parliament of Ghana, members of the proposed body would not be elected democratically but appointed from recognised institutions and among individuals with a strong track record in public service.
“So suppose that the president is doing something that perhaps will need to be exposed properly, and even when the national council advises, how would the public get to know?” he asked.
‘Temper the Excesses of Democracy’
The former president said such a chamber would act as a balancing mechanism within the political system, helping to moderate excesses that may arise from partisan politics.
“So I will rather have a second house, composed not so much on the basis of democracy, but from identifiable institutions in the land, and also a few individuals who have served the public, to be there to temper the excesses of democracy,” he stated.
Mr Kufuor’s proposal adds to ongoing discussions about institutional reforms and governance structures aimed at strengthening checks and balances in Ghana’s political system.