Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo Resigns from Council of State

Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has stepped down from Ghana’s Council of State, bringing an end to her service on the constitutional body that advises the President on key national matters.

Reports indicate that Akuffo submitted her resignation last year and has since withdrawn from the council’s activities. She has reportedly not attended any meetings since tendering her resignation, including the most recent session held earlier this week.

Neither the former Chief Justice nor the Presidency has publicly commented on the resignation, leaving the reasons behind her departure unclear.

Akuffo’s exit comes after a period in which she took a distinct position during one of the country’s most significant judicial controversies involving former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

In April 2025, when the Council of State considered whether a prima facie case existed against Torkornoo, 30 out of 31 members voted in favour. Akuffo was the only member who chose not to support the decision, abstaining from the vote.

She later appeared before the Article 146 committee at the request of the suspended Chief Justice to provide testimony in her defence. Subsequently, Akuffo openly criticised the proceedings, arguing that Torkornoo had not been afforded a fair hearing.

During a September 2025 interview, the former Chief Justice described the process as akin to a “treason trial,” asserting that it had weakened public confidence in the judiciary. She further maintained that the allegations against Torkornoo were not serious enough to warrant the removal of the head of the judicial branch.

Her comments generated significant public debate and drew criticism from various quarters.

The Council of State, established under Ghana’s Constitution, serves as an advisory body to the President on matters of governance and national importance. Akuffo’s departure leaves questions about who may eventually be appointed to fill the vacancy and whether the Presidency will provide further details regarding her resignation.