“We want the Council of State to be active” – Dr. Vladmir Antwi Danso calls

International relations expert and security analyst, Dr. Vladmir Antwi Danso, has called for a more proactive and politically independent Council of State.

Speaking on Prime News on ABC News GH on Tuesday, February 11, Dr. Antwi Danso emphasized the need for the Council of State to function without political interference.

“The role of the Council does not need any political interventions. We want the Council of State to be active,” he stressed, adding that Ghana’s governance system would benefit greatly from a more engaged and autonomous advisory body.

USAID Funding Cut Sparks Urgency

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has directed Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to take immediate actions to address the estimated $156 million shortfall resulting from USAID’s withdrawal of financial support.

A statement from the Presidency, released on February 11, revealed Mahama’s deep concern, particularly over the $78.2 million funding gap that directly threatens:

• Malaria prevention
• Maternal and child healthcare
• Family planning and reproductive health
• Nutrition programs
• HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, including access to antiretroviral drugs

The President has ordered the Finance Ministry to develop an urgent strategy to fill the funding gap and ensure essential healthcare services are not disrupted.

A Push for Self-Reliance

Weighing in on the development, Dr. Antwi Danso stressed the importance of Ghana reducing its dependency on foreign aid, describing the USAID funding suspension as “unfortunate.”

“We should better ourselves and be more self-reliant,” he urged, signaling the need for long-term policy shifts towards financial independence.

As the government scrambles to secure alternative funding sources, experts continue to debate Ghana’s over-reliance on foreign aid and the structural reforms needed to prevent future economic vulnerabilities.