'I was extremely shocked to hear of Sophia Akuffo's resignation' – Kpebu

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has expressed shock over the resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akufo from the Council of State, describing her appointment as a major boost to Ghana’s democracy.

Speaking on Ghana Tonight on June 15, 2026, Kpebu said he was ‘extremely shocked’ by Akufo’s resignation, especially as no reason had been publicly provided for her decision.

“Shocked. I mean, yes, to be straight to the point. I was extremely shocked,” he said when asked about his reaction to the resignation.

Kpebu noted that Akufo’s appointment by President John Dramani Mahama, in consultation with Parliament, had been widely praised because many believed she would provide frank and independent counsel to the presidency.

“We all thought that with the addition of Sophia Akuffo to the Council of State, that had moved our democracy several notches higher,” he stated, adding that her appointment was a masterstroke.

According to him, Akuffo’s perceived independence made her selection particularly significant, given her family ties to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and her appointment as Chief Justice during his administration.

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“So having been Chief Justice and being a relation of Akufo-Addo of the NPP, her addition as a Council of State member just took our democracy — it kind of blew our minds,” Kpebu indicated.

He argued that Mahama’s decision to appoint Akufo instead of other former Chief Justices suggested a readiness to receive candid advice, including criticism on governance matters.

“For JM to have gone for Sophia Akuffo meant that JM was ready for the game. He was ready to be told the most unpalatable things about governance,” he said.

Kpebu also commended Sophia Akuffo for what he described as her willingness to openly express her views on national issues, citing her stance during discussions surrounding proceedings involving Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

“Her addition was excellence. I mean, it just made our democracy far stronger,” he added.

Sophia Akuffo’s resignation from the Council of State was announced on June 14, 2026, although no official reason has yet been disclosed.

MRA/MA

I'm ready to apologise wholeheartedly to Mahama if I have wronged him - Wontumi