The government has initiated the process of appointing a new member to Ghana’s Council of State following the resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, whose departure from the constitutional advisory body has now been formally accepted by President John Dramani Mahama.
Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced on Monday, June 15, that Justice Akuffo is no longer a member of the Council after the President accepted her resignation, which was first submitted in September 2025.
Her exit creates the first major vacancy on the current Council of State, an institution mandated under the 1992 Constitution to advise the President on governance, policy and constitutional matters.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Kwakye Ofosu revealed that Justice Akuffo had expressed her intention to resign several months ago but did not provide any reasons for her decision.
According to him, the resignation was not immediately accepted because members of the Council of State requested an opportunity to engage the former Chief Justice and determine whether any concerns could be resolved to encourage her to remain.
The discussions, however, did not change her position.
“The Council of State engaged her and subsequently informed the President that the resignation could be accepted,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said, adding that the President has now formally concluded the process.
Justice Akuffo, who served as Ghana’s Chief Justice from 2017 to 2020, was among the eminent persons appointed by the President to serve on the Council of State. Her legal experience and long-standing role in Ghana’s judiciary made her one of the most prominent figures on the advisory body.
While no reason has been publicly disclosed for her resignation, attention has now shifted to the process of selecting her successor.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu indicated that government has already commenced the constitutional procedures required to fill the vacancy.
“The law is clear on what processes to undertake to replace her, and that is going on as we speak,” he stated.
The appointment of a replacement is expected in the coming weeks, ensuring that the Council continues to operate at full capacity as it advises the President on key national issues.
Justice Akuffo’s departure marks a notable transition for the Council of State, which remains one of the country’s most important constitutional institutions.
SOURCE: MAVIS FANTEVI
