Mahama accepts Akuffo’s resignation from Council of State
Former Chief Justice officially exits advisory body
Former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, now Mmrahene of Akuapem Nana Abena Boafo Akuffo, has officially ceased to be a member of the Council of State after President John Dramani Mahama accepted her resignation. The decision brings to an end months of consultations between the Presidency and the Council of State following her request to step down from the constitutional advisory body.
The development was confirmed on Monday, June 15, by Government Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, during a briefing with journalists.
Resignation submitted in September 2025
According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, Justice Akuffo formally submitted her resignation letter to the President in September 2025, expressing her desire to leave the Council of State.
He disclosed that the former Chief Justice did not provide any reasons for her decision to resign. “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,” the Minister stated.
Council of State requested delay
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that although the President was expected to formally accept the resignation upon receiving the letter, the process was temporarily delayed at the request of the Council of State. According to him, members of the Council sought time to engage Justice Akuffo and determine whether any concerns or grievances had influenced her decision. The Council hoped discussions with the former Chief Justice might lead to a reconsideration of her resignation.
Efforts to retain Akuffo proved unsuccessful
Following months of engagement, the Council of State informed the President that its consultations had not changed Justice Akuffo’s position. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said the Council subsequently advised the President to proceed with accepting the resignation. “But they went back and said that they had engaged and as far as they were concerned, the resignation could be accepted. So, the President has formally accepted her resignation, and she is no longer a member of the Council of State,” he explained.
Distinguished record of public service
Justice Akuffo served as Ghana’s Chief Justice from 2017 until her retirement in 2020. Following her retirement from the judiciary, she was appointed to the Council of State as one of the eminent personalities selected by the President to provide guidance on governance, constitutional affairs, and national development. Her tenure on the Council added to a long and distinguished career in public service and the administration of justice.
Vacancy created on constitutional advisory body
Her departure creates a vacancy on the Council of State, a key constitutional institution mandated to advise the President on matters of governance and public administration under the 1992 Constitution. The Council plays a significant role in supporting decision-making on important national issues and constitutional processes. Justice Akuffo’s resignation marks the first major departure from the current composition of the Council.
Government begins replacement process
The government has indicated that the constitutional process to appoint a successor is already underway.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu noted that the law provides clear procedures for filling vacancies on the Council of State and assured that those processes have commenced. “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.
Replacement expected in coming weeks
Government officials say efforts are being made to ensure that a replacement is appointed in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Once the necessary consultations and procedures are completed, an official announcement is expected to be made regarding Justice Akuffo’s successor.
Her resignation comes at a time when the Council of State continues to play an important role in advising the government on governance, public policy, and constitutional matters, making the appointment of a replacement a significant development for the institution.
