Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has officially stepped down from the Council of State after President John Dramani Mahama accepted her resignation, bringing months of consultations over her decision to an end.
The development was confirmed on Monday, June 15, by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who said the resignation process had been completed and arrangements were underway to appoint a replacement in line with constitutional requirements.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Kwakye Ofosu revealed that Justice Akuffo submitted a resignation letter to President Mahama in September 2025, expressing her intention to leave the advisory body. He noted that she did not provide any reasons for her decision.
“I can confirm that 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 indicating her desire to resign, but did not disclose any reason for doing so,” he said.
According to the Government Spokesperson, the President was initially expected to formally accept the resignation upon receiving the letter. However, the process was delayed after members of the Council of State requested time to engage with Justice Akuffo.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that the Council sought to determine whether there were concerns or grievances behind her decision and whether those issues could be addressed to persuade her to remain.
“When the President received the letter, he was required to indicate his acceptance of the resignation. However, at the request of the Council of State, he held on because they wanted to engage Justice Sophia Akuffo to ascertain whether there were concerns informing her decision and whether there was any way to address them,” he stated.
He said the Council later informed the President that its discussions with Justice Akuffo had not changed her position and advised that the resignation be accepted.
“After their engagement, the Council indicated that, as far as they were concerned, the resignation could be accepted. The President has therefore formally accepted it, and she is no longer a member of the Council of State,” he added.
Justice Akuffo served as Chief Justice from 2017 until her retirement in 2020. She was subsequently appointed to the Council of State as one of the eminent persons selected by the President to offer advice on governance, public policy and national development.
Her resignation creates a vacancy on the constitutional advisory body, which plays a key role in assisting the President in the performance of his duties under the 1992 Constitution.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the process to appoint a successor has already begun and is being carried out in accordance with the law.
“The law is clear on the procedures required to replace her, and that process is ongoing. In due course, a replacement for Justice Sophia Akuffo will be announced,” he said.
Justice Akuffo’s departure marks the first major exit from the current Council of State and comes at a time when the body continues to play a significant role in shaping discussions on governance, constitutional issues and national policy.
Government officials expect the appointment of her replacement to be completed in the coming weeks in line with constitutional provisions.