Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has reportedly resigned from Ghana’s Council of State, bringing an end to her tenure on the constitutional advisory body that counsels the President on governance and national policy matters.
Sources familiar with the development indicate that Justice Akuffo submitted her resignation towards the end of 2025, although neither the Council of State nor the Office of the President has officially confirmed the move.
The reported resignation comes amid speculation over events surrounding the Council’s consideration of petitions seeking the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
According to sources, Justice Akuffo stopped attending Council meetings after deliberations connected to the matter. In April 2025, when members of the Council voted on whether a prima facie case had been established against Justice Torkornoo, 30 of the 31 members reportedly voted in favour.
Justice Akuffo was the sole member who abstained from the vote. She did not publicly state the reasons for her decision, and no official explanation has been provided regarding any connection between her abstention and subsequent resignation.
A respected jurist, Justice Akuffo served as Ghana’s Chief Justice from 2017 to 2020 and remains one of the country’s most prominent legal figures. Her reported departure from the Council has generated interest due to her unique position during one of the body’s most consequential recent deliberations.
The Council of State, established under the Constitution, plays an advisory role to the President and comprises both elected and appointed members drawn from across the country.
While questions remain over the circumstances surrounding her exit, official confirmation from the relevant state institutions is still being awaited.
