President John Mahama has formally accepted the resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo from the Council of State, bringing to an end months of consultations over her decision to step down.
The announcement came from Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu on Monday, June 15. He also confirmed that the process to appoint a replacement has already begun.
Resignation Submitted in 2025
According to Mr Kwakye Ofosu, Justice Akuffo submitted her resignation letter to the President in September 2025.
He said the former Chief Justice informed the President of her decision to leave the Council of State but did not provide any reason for the move.
“I can confirm that indeed, Justice Sophia A.B. Akuffo has resigned from her position as a member of the Council of State. She submitted a letter in September 2025 to the President indicating her desire to resign. She did not disclose the reason for wanting to resign,” he said.
Council of State Sought Further Engagement
Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that the President initially delayed accepting the resignation at the request of the Council of State.
According to him, members of the Council wanted time to engage Justice Akuffo and determine whether any concerns or grievances had influenced her decision.
The Council hoped discussions could persuade her to remain on the advisory body.
However, after the engagements, members informed the President that Justice Akuffo had maintained her position and recommended that her resignation be accepted.
“So, the President has formally accepted her resignation, and she is no longer a member of the Council of State,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu stated.
Replacement Process Underway
The Government Spokesperson said steps are already being taken to fill the vacancy in line with constitutional requirements.
“The law is clear on what processes to undertake to replace her, and that is going on as we speak. So, in due course, a replacement will be announced for Justice Sophia Akuffo,” he said.
End of a Distinguished Public Service Role
Justice Akuffo served as Chief Justice from 2017 until her retirement in 2020. She later joined the Council of State as one of the eminent persons appointed by the President to provide advice on governance and national development.
Her departure creates a vacancy on the constitutional advisory body, which assists the President in the performance of his duties under the 1992 Constitution.
The resignation marks the first high-profile exit from the current Council of State. Government officials say the process to appoint her successor is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
