The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has clarified that the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo played no role in the resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo from Ghana’s Council of State.

While speaking during a Government Accountability Series held in Accra on Monday, June 15, Kwakye Ofosu called on the public to disregard the speculations the resignation letter submitted by the former Chief Justice does not state so.

“The former Chief Justice is known for being outspoken and highly principled. When she disagreed with the DDEP, she went on a public manifestation and demonstrated. If she had resigned as a result of Torkornoo’s removal, she would have stated, or she would have found some means to let you know.

“And so it is most unfair to ascribe motives to her when she has not communicated same. Government, as a matter of record, has not received any communication from her in respect of that. She didn’t say that in her letter of resignation.”

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.