President Mahama Accepts Sophia Akuffo’s Exit from Council of State
Introduction
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo Resigns from Council of State following the formal acceptance of her resignation by President John Dramani Mahama. The development brings an end to months of discussions surrounding her decision to leave the constitutional advisory body. Government officials have confirmed that the process to appoint her successor is already underway in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Sophia Akuffo Resigns from Council of State After Formal Acceptance
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has officially stepped down from Ghana’s Council of State after President John Dramani Mahama accepted her resignation.
The announcement was made on Monday, June 15, by Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu. He confirmed that the resignation process has been completed and that steps are being taken to appoint a replacement in line with constitutional provisions.
Resignation Letter Submitted in September 2025
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu disclosed that Justice Akuffo submitted her resignation letter to the President in September 2025, indicating her intention to leave the advisory body.
According to him, the former Chief Justice did not provide any reason for her decision.
“I can confirm that Justice Sophia A.B. Akuffo has indeed resigned from her position as a member of the Council of State. She submitted a letter to the President in September 2025 expressing her desire to resign. She did not state the reason for her resignation,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said.
Why the Resignation Process Took Several Months
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that while the President was expected to accept the resignation, the process was temporarily delayed at the request of the Council of State.
Council Members Requested Discussions with Akuffo
According to the government spokesperson, members of the Council sought additional time to engage Justice Akuffo in discussions. Their objective was to determine whether there were any concerns or grievances that could be addressed and possibly convince her to remain in office.
“When the President received the letter, it was expected that he would accept her resignation. However, at the request of the Council of State, he had to wait for some time because they indicated they wanted to speak with Justice Sophia Akuffo to determine whether there were concerns that led to her resignation and whether those issues could be resolved,” he explained.
Council Later Recommended Acceptance of the Resignation
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated that after holding discussions with Justice Akuffo, the Council informed the President that her position had not changed.
The Council subsequently advised that the resignation be formally accepted.
“But later, they indicated that they had held discussions and that, as far as they were concerned, the resignation could be accepted. Therefore, the President formally accepted her resignation, and she is no longer a member of the Council of State,” he added.
Sophia Akuffo’s Role in the Council of State
Justice Sophia Akuffo served as Chief Justice of Ghana from 2017 until her retirement in 2020. Following her retirement, she was appointed to the Council of State as one of the distinguished individuals selected by the President to provide guidance on governance and national development matters.
The Council of State plays a significant constitutional role by assisting the President in the performance of official duties under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
Council of State Vacancy Created Following Her Departure
Her departure has created a vacancy within the constitutional advisory body, which continues to play an important role in governance, public policy, and constitutional affairs.
Government officials have indicated that the process of selecting a replacement is already in progress.
Government Begins Process to Appoint a Successor
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu noted that the legally prescribed procedure for replacing Justice Akuffo has already commenced.
“The law clearly outlines the procedure that must be followed to replace her, and that process is currently underway. At the appropriate time, an announcement will be made regarding the appointment of a new member to succeed Justice Sophia Akuffo,” he said.
Successor Expected to Be Named in Coming Weeks
Government officials believe the appointment process will be completed in the coming weeks in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Justice Akuffo’s resignation marks the first departure by a senior member of the current Council of State and comes at a time when the institution continues to play an influential advisory role in national governance and constitutional matters.
Conclusion
The announcement that Sophia Akuffo Resigns from Council of State marks a significant development within Ghana’s constitutional advisory framework. With President John Dramani Mahama having formally accepted her resignation, attention now turns to the appointment of a successor who will help continue the Council’s role in advising on governance, public policy, and constitutional affairs. The government has assured that the replacement process is progressing in line with constitutional requirements.
Also Read: https://verifiedreportsghana.com/former-chief-justice-sophia-akuffo-resigns-from-council-of-state/