Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has resigned as a member of Ghana’s Council of State, according to reports
The decision by the outspoken former Chief Justice comes after she stopped attending Council meetings in the wake of the advice for removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Accra News has gathered madam Akuffo submitted her resignation towards the end of 2025.
Justice Sophia Akuffo served as Chief Justice of Ghana from 2017 to 2020 under President Akufo-Addo’s first term.
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.
In April 2025, when the Council of State voted on whether a prima facie case had been established against then Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, 30 out of 31 members voted in favour with Sophia Akuffo abstaining.
It is believed the resignation is as a result of her disapproval of the decision to remove Madam Torkornoo.
When the resignation of Sophia Akuffo is confirmed, many argue the President will have a difficult time settling on her replacement. Per the constitution, the Council of State must have a former Chief Justice. There are only 3 living former Chief Justices: Georgina Theodora Wood, Anin Yeboah and removed Gertrude Ara Torkornoo.
