Processes underway to replace Sophia Akuffo on the Council of State - Kwakye Ofosu

President John Dramani Mahama has accepted the resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo from Ghana’s Council of State, bringing an end to her tenure on the constitutional advisory body.

The announcement was made by Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, during a press briefing in Accra on Monday, June 16, 2026.

According to the minister, the process to appoint a replacement has already commenced.

“President Mahama has accepted the resignation of Sophia Akuffo from the Council of State. Processes are underway to replace her,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated.

Sophia Akuffo’s departure marks the conclusion of her role on one of Ghana’s most important constitutional institutions.

The Council of State serves as an advisory body to the President, providing guidance on matters of national importance and governance in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Although the government has now officially confirmed her resignation, reports indicate that the former Chief Justice submitted her resignation several months ago.

Sources suggest she has not participated in Council of State meetings for an extended period and was absent from recent sessions, including a meeting held just days before the official announcement.

Neither Madam Akuffo nor the Presidency has publicly explained the reasons behind her decision to step down.

Sophia Akuffo is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most accomplished legal minds, having served in various senior judicial positions throughout her career.

She served as Chief Justice of Ghana from 2017 to 2020, becoming one of the few women to occupy the country's highest judicial office.

Before her appointment as Chief Justice, she built an extensive career within Ghana’s judiciary and also served in international legal institutions, earning recognition for her contributions to the rule of law and constitutional governance.

Her appointment to the Council of State brought significant legal expertise and judicial experience to the advisory body.

Sophia Akuffo’s resignation comes after a period during which she became a prominent figure in one of Ghana’s most closely watched constitutional and judicial controversies.

In April 2025, the Council of State considered whether a prima facie case had been established against then Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

According to reports, 30 out of the 31 members of the Council voted in favour of the finding. Sophia Akuffo was the only member who abstained from the decision.

Her position drew considerable public attention because of her status as a former Chief Justice and respected legal authority.

Subsequently, she appeared before the Article 146 Committee investigating the matter after being invited by Chief Justice Torkornoo’s legal team to testify in her defence.

In September 2025, Sophia Akuffo publicly expressed concerns about the process used in the proceedings against Justice Torkornoo.

During a media interview, she argued that the suspended Chief Justice had not been afforded a fair hearing and questioned aspects of the process.

Akuffo described the proceedings as resembling a “treason trial” and warned that the controversy risked undermining public confidence in the judiciary.

She further suggested that the allegations against the Chief Justice did not meet the threshold required to justify the removal of the head of Ghana’s judicial branch.

Her comments generated intense public debate and drew criticism from some quarters while receiving support from others who shared concerns about judicial independence and due process.

With President Mahama now formally accepting her resignation, attention is shifting to the process of appointing a successor.

Government officials have indicated that constitutional procedures are being followed to identify and appoint a replacement to serve on the Council of State.

The Council remains a critical institution within Ghana’s governance framework, providing advisory support to the President on constitutional, legal, economic, and national policy matters.

Observers are expected to closely monitor the appointment process given the significance of the position and the role the Council plays in national decision-making.

Despite the resignation, the Council of State continues to perform its constitutional responsibilities, advising the President on matters affecting governance and national development.

Sophia Akuffo’s departure closes a notable chapter in her long career of public service and constitutional leadership.

As government moves to fill the vacancy, her tenure is likely to be remembered for both her contributions to public service and her outspoken stance on issues affecting the judiciary and the rule of law in Ghana.