President John Dramani Mahama is set to replace former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo after she resigned from her post, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has hinted. Her replacement is in accordance with the Constitution.

Addressing the media on Monday, June 15, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, indicated that Sophia Akuffo’s resignation ended months of consultations over the matter.

“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 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.

News of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo’s resignation from Ghana’s Council of State made waves on Sunday, June 14. According to the report, Justice Akuffo stopped attending Council of State meetings, and when voting was held on whether a prima facie case had been established against then Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Out of the 31-member Council, only Sophia Akufo abstained from voting, and she did not publicly explain the reasons behind her decision.

Later in 2025, she reportedly submitted her resignation.Although the circumstances surrounding her resignation remain unclear, sources indicate that the former Chief Justice stopped attending Council meetings following the decision relating to the removal process involving former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Justice Akuffo served as Chief Justice of Ghana from 2017 to 2020. The Council of State is a constitutional advisory body that provides counsel to the President on national governance and policy matters.Its membership comprises elected and appointed representatives drawn from across the country. Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo was sworn in alongside 30 distinguished individuals as members of Ghana’s Council of State on February 18, 2025.

The inauguration ceremony, presided over by President John Dramani Mahama, took place at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

Leading the Council as its chairman is Edward Doe Adjaho, former Speaker of Parliament, who was tasked to play a guiding role in deliberations as the advisory body supports the President in national governance.

President Mahama, addressing the newly inducted members, urged them to actively demonstrate their significance in national decision-making.He emphasised the need for the Council to address growing public scepticism regarding its role and relevance in Ghana’s governance structure.

The 31-member Council comprises experts from diverse fields, including law, business, academia, and civil society, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the advisory body.Their primary responsibility is to offer informed counsel to the President on crucial national matters. Dignitaries from various sectors, including government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from civil society, attended the swearing-in ceremony, underscoring the importance of the Council’s mandate in shaping the nation’s governance framework.