A total of 23 candidates have picked nomination forms for election to the Council of State in the Ashanti Region.

Mr. Serebour Quaicoe, Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that three of them had already filed their nomination.

The remaining have up to Thursday, January 26, to submit their forms.The EC has fixed February 09, as the day for the election and a body of electors – two from each of the 33 districts would be voting to decide who represents the region on the Council.

Mr. Quaicoe put the age of the oldest contestant at 92, and that of the reverse 21.

The Council among other functions has a duty to advice the President or any other authority in respect of any appointment, required by the Constitution.

It may also upon request or on its own initiative, consider and make recommendations on any matter being considered or dealt with by the President, a Minister of State, Parliament or any other authority.  

It is required to meet at least four times in a year.