Accra, Ghana – May 26, 2025.
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr. Valerie Sawyerr, Senior Presidential Advisor for Governmental Affairs, to spearhead efforts to establish a Government Council aimed at enhancing transparency, coordination, and accountability in governance.
The announcement came following a high-level engagement between President Mahama and representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at the Jubilee House earlier today.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, the proposed Government Council will serve as a consultative and oversight body that fosters inclusive governance and ensures broader stakeholder participation in national development.
“The establishment of this Council marks a significant step in our commitment to deepening democratic governance and creating an inclusive decision-making process,” President Mahama said during the meeting. “I have full confidence in Dr. Valerie Sawyerr’s ability to lead this important initiative with integrity and excellence.”
Dr. Sawyerr, who previously served as a Deputy Chief of Staff and has been a longtime advisor to the President, expressed her appreciation for the appointment and pledged to work collaboratively with key stakeholders.
“This is a critical opportunity to strengthen institutional dialogue and ensure that voices from all sectors, especially civil society are meaningfully represented in governance,”
Dr. Sawyerr noted. “We will work diligently to establish a structure that reflects the aspirations of the Ghanaian people.”
CSO representatives welcomed the move, describing it as a step in the right direction.
“This initiative has the potential to reshape how government engages with citizens and civil society,” said Kofi Adu-Boahen, a governance analyst present at the meeting.
“We look forward to contributing constructively to the Council’s formation.”
The Government Council is expected to be operationalized later this year following a series of consultative meetings and stakeholder forums.
