Politics & Policy

    Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo Resigned From Council of State Months Before Public Disclosure

    Ghana's Council of State faces scrutiny over lack of public disclosure for member resignations, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in a key advisory body.

    2 min read3 min listen
    Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo quietly resigned from Ghana's Council of State, with the public learning of her departure months later. Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu later confirmed her resignation. This delayed disclosure has sparked concerns about transparency within the vital constitutional body. This lack of public announcement for resignations highlights a key issue of democratic accountability. The Council of State advises the President and is funded by Ghanaian taxpayers. Its appointments are publicly announced, but resignations have been treated privately. Without timely disclosure, the public cannot know if this important constitutional institution operates with vacancies. This silence also means the public cannot assess whether delays in replacing members impact the diversity of advice available to the President. Ghana’s Council of State has a long history, dating back to proposals in 1949. It ensures presidents receive counsel from respected figures. The 1992 Constitution, under Article 89(1), established the current 31-member Council. This body includes presidential appointees, elected regional representatives, traditional leaders, and former senior public officials. However, the Council of State Act, 2020 (Act 1037), only requires resignations to be communicated to the President. It does not mandate public disclosure, creating a lack of transparency. This imbalance can undermine trust in an institution designed to embody collective wisdom. William Nyarko, writing for JoyNews Online on June 22, 2026, highlighted this imbalance. He stated that appointments are public, but resignations occur in silence. This practice deprives citizens of important context about changes within a key constitutional institution. Such silence risks normalising opacity around constitutional transitions. It can weaken public confidence in Ghana's constitutional democracy. The implications of this opaque process are significant for public oversight and institutional legitimacy. When high-profile members change, especially those involved in critical advice, it is crucial for the public to know. This transparency ensures that institutions remain visible, functional, and responsive. Comparative examples from Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya show that transparency practices are shaped more by governance culture than by constitutional design. Institutions that embrace openness generally enjoy greater legitimacy and public confidence. Timely public disclosure of resignations would reinforce the Council's role as a transparent advisory body. It would also allow for informed public discourse on its composition and effectiveness. Decision-makers must address this legislative blind spot to strengthen public trust. Increased transparency would ensure that the Council of State continues to serve its constitutional mandate effectively. It would also uphold principles of good governance in Ghana.

    Comments

    More from StatsGH