Sophia Akuffo Resigns from Council of State: President Mahama Accepts Departure After Nine-Month Delay

The Ghanaian government has officially confirmed the resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo from the Council of State. President John Dramani Mahama accepted her departure, which was initially tendered in September 2025, following a months-long delay intended to allow for internal mediation. Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, disclosed that while the former Chief Justice did not provide a specific reason for her exit in her formal letter, the President eventually moved forward with the acceptance after the Council of State confirmed that her decision was final and her grievances, if any, could not be resolved through further engagement.

The circumstances surrounding the resignation have sparked significant debate within Ghana’s political landscape. Reports suggest that Justice Akuffo had ceased attending Council meetings shortly after submitting her resignation last year. Her departure follows a period of reported internal friction, specifically concerning a dissenting opinion she held during a council vote related to the controversial removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Former Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Nii Kwartei Glover described the move as a "dent on government," suggesting that Akuffo’s exit reflects broader unease with current governance issues and judicial integrity.

In response to these claims, the government has moved to manage the narrative. Felix Kwakye Ofosu dismissed links between Akuffo’s resignation and Justice Torkornoo’s removal as purely speculative and lacking evidence. He emphasized that the former Chief Justice is known for her outspoken nature and would have likely communicated her reasons clearly if they were intended as a protest. However, this has not silenced critics. Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has criticized the administration for a lack of transparency, demanding an apology for the delayed disclosure of the resignation and calling for the immediate public release of the resignation letter to prevent further speculation and maintain public trust.

As the administration begins the constitutional process to appoint a successor, the vacancy highlights the critical role of the Council of State in advising the presidency. Under the 1992 Constitution, the Council is required to include a former Chief Justice, making the appointment of a replacement a matter of both procedural and legal urgency. The government has indicated that the search for a successor is already underway and is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, even as the political fallout from Akuffo's departure continues to raise questions about the relationship between the executive and the judiciary.