Mahama Accepts Sophia Akuffo’s Resignation From Council of State

President John Dramani Mahama has formally accepted the resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo from the Council of State. She is no longer a member of the advisory body.

Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed the development on Monday, June 15, 2026. He said steps to appoint a replacement have begun in line with constitutional requirements.

According to Kwakye Ofosu, Justice Akuffo submitted her resignation letter to the President in September 2025. She did not state reasons for stepping down.

He explained that although the President had to acknowledge and accept the resignation, the process was put on hold at the request of the Council of State. Council members asked for time to engage Justice Akuffo to find out if any concerns led to her decision and whether those could be resolved.

“When the President received the letter, he was required to indicate his acceptance. But at the behest of the Council of State, he had to hold on because they said they wanted to engage Justice Sophia Akuffo,” Kwakye Ofosu said.

He added that the Council later informed the President that its engagement did not change her decision, and advised that the resignation be accepted.

“So, the President has formally accepted her resignation, and she is no longer a member of the Council of State,” he said.

Justice Akuffo served as Chief Justice from 2017 until her retirement in 2020. She was appointed to the Council of State as one of the eminent persons selected to advise the President on governance and national development.

Her exit leaves a vacancy on the Council, which assists the President under the 1992 Constitution. Kwakye Ofosu said government has already started the process to fill the seat.