The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has confirmed that President John Dramani Mahama has accepted the resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo from the Council of State.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, June 15, he noted that processes are already underway to fill the vacant position on the President’s advisory body.
“President Mahama has accepted the resignation of Sophia Akuffo from the Council of State, processes are underway to replace her,” he said.
Sophia Akuffo, who previously served as Chief Justice from 2017 to 2020, is reported to have submitted her resignation last year. She has since been absent from Council of State meetings, including a recent session held three days ago.
Neither the former Chief Justice nor the Presidency has publicly explained the circumstances leading to her departure.
Her resignation brings an end to her role on the Council of State, Ghana’s highest advisory body to the President on key national issues.
During her tenure, Akuffo became a notable voice in discussions surrounding judicial matters. In April 2025, during a Council of State vote on whether a prima facie case had been established against then Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, she was the only member who abstained, while 30 others voted in favour.
She later appeared before the Article 146 committee at the request of the suspended Chief Justice and testified in her defence.
In September 2025, Akuffo publicly criticised aspects of the proceedings, arguing that the Chief Justice had not been given a fair hearing. She described the process as a “treason trial” and warned that it risked undermining public confidence in the judiciary. Her comments sparked widespread debate.
The Council of State is a constitutionally mandated body that advises the President on matters of national importance.
