- Former CJ Sophia Akuffo defends Council of State appointment
- Akuffo says she'll advise President with honesty
- She denies representing judiciary on Council
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has defended her appointment to the 9th Council of State, asserting that it is in full alignment with constitutional provisions.
Madam Akuffo was sworn in as one of 31 new members of the advisory body by President John Mahama on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
In response to concerns surrounding her appointment, which has sparked mixed reactions among some Ghanaians, Akuffo emphasized that she is serving in her individual capacity and not as a representative of the judiciary.
“I am a former Chief Justice, am I not? Do I or do I not qualify? Many people actually expected me to be selected,” she said, addressing journalists after the swearing-in ceremony at the Jubilee House.
The former Chief Justice also assured that she would provide honest counsel to the President, stressing that her role is not to simply endorse decisions made by the executive.
“The Council of State is a body that is supposed to be advising the president. I am not going to be singing his master’s voice, so to speak. An adviser does not parrot,” she said.
“An adviser speaks with honesty. An adviser looks to the best interest not only of the person they are advising but of the function the person is serving,” she added, emphasizing the importance of integrity and independence in her new role.
