New governmental system for Africa
(There is no perfect solution, only better options at a given time for a specific period and for specific people or countries. Here, elements of ancient Greece are combined with modern-day expectations. The outline below is intentionally brief for easier reading and understanding.)
ELECTED KING
Elected for life, serving until death or abduction, by all eligible voters. Authority to rule the country is vested in him.
COUNCIL OF THE WISE MEN
Elected once for a five-year term by all eligible voters. The Council of the Wise Men has the mandate and power to oversee the performance of the ELECTED KING. In cases of misuse of power, they may order the king’s arrest and removal from office.
A removed king is entitled to appeal his case before the CONSTITUTIONAL COURT. If the court rules in favour of the king, the council is dismissed and voters elect a new seven-member council.
PRIME MINISTER
The king governs the country through his government. The PRIME MINISTER is the head of government. He ensures checks and balances, accountability, and transparency through his administration.
Supporting the ELECTED KING, he listens closely to voters’ daily concerns and communicates them to the king. Although aligned with the king’s policies, the PRIME MINISTER has his own beliefs, which he presents to the king in an effective and well‑balanced manner.
He is mandated by the king, who also has the power to withdraw his whip and remove him from office. He is responsible for the performance of government and is accountable to the king, not to voters.
MINISTERS / GOVERNMENT
The PRIME MINISTER selects his ministers, who run assigned government departments. He may request the king to appoint or dismiss ministers. They are accountable to the PRIME MINISTER, not to the king or voters.
CONSTITUTIONAL COURT
Nine judges are responsible for protecting the constitution. They call voters to elect the next ELECTED KING.
COUNCIL OF EXPERTS
The modern world is complex, and the wisdom and knowledge of many must be heard and considered. This body forms a pool of experts in various fields to advise the ELECTED KING, PRIME MINISTER, and MINISTERS. A broad range of interest groups is represented on the council.
STATE GOVERNORS
Voters identify first with their region before the federal state. Every five years, voters elect their STATE GOVERNOR on the same ballots used to elect the COUNCIL OF THE WISE MEN. Governors may serve a maximum of two five-year terms.
They hold exclusive authority over certain local affairs such as education, culture, policing, and specific aspects of the economy.
STATE MINISTERS
Chosen and dismissed by the STATE GOVERNOR. They form the STATE GOVERNMENT and run the daily operations of their ministries.
COUNCIL OF STATE
All national GOVERNORS are members of this council. The presidency rotates every six months. They voice the interests of their states to the ELECTED KING and PRIME MINISTER. Laws are debated and proposed to the ELECTED KING and PRIME MINISTER for subsequent approval or rejection.
INDEPENDENT JUSTICE SYSTEM
The country operates courts at multiple levels: Village Elders (for petty crimes), District, Regional, Civil, Criminal, and Courts of Appeal.
COURT OF FINANCE SUPERVISION
Responsible for controlling and supervising state and national finances according to approved budgets. It follows up on corruption cases or overspending, with the authority to impose administrative disciplinary measures or file court actions.
INDEPENDENT PRESS
The press establishes a self-regulatory body to supervise traditional and modern media houses, as well as online submissions, ensuring national standards of dignity, respect, truth, and clarity in reporting on state actors’ activities, thoughts, and spoken or written words.
State entities, including the king, may be subjected to critical scrutiny in a dignified and appropriate manner.
PD Dipl.-Pol. Karl-Heinz Heerde (Political Scientist and Historian, Hamburg University 1980-1985), married to Alberta Heerde born Mensah, Ashanti from Kumasi with Ewe roots from Volta Region, Ghana, Entrepreneur and Author of several novels, the new constitution draft for Ghana and various Articles.
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