Former Chief Justice and member of the Ninth Council of State, Justice Sophia Akuffo
Former Chief Justice and member of the Ninth Council of State, Justice Sophia Akuffo, has called on Ghanaians to remain calm, assuring them that the Council is committed to fulfilling its duties to the best of its abilities.
In an interview on Accra-based TV3’s Hot Issue program, she emphasized that Council members would not be mere followers but would fully execute their constitutional mandate.
She also highlighted the Council’s critical role in advising the President and government on national issues, ensuring that their contributions would be meaningful and impactful.
“Nobody should expect this Council of State to be a bunch of ‘yes’ people with a herd mentality just following along. We will be serious, steady, and critical, applying the utmost integrity to everything we do,” she stated.
Discussing the Council of State’s constitutional mandate, Sophia Akuffo clarified that the Council, as envisioned by the constitution, is not meant to be a partisan institution. Instead, it is composed of experienced individuals whose purpose is to provide advice to the President.
She emphasized that while the Council’s advice is not legally binding, the President is expected to respect and seriously consider it before making final decisions.
Justice Akuffo also disagreed with calls to abolish the Council of State, underscoring its importance and relevance.
“In a country where people are more drawn to excitement and sensation, those working diligently behind the scenes are often overlooked. Some frequently question the relevance of the Council of State, saying, ‘We haven’t even heard of them.’ But that does not diminish its value,” she noted.
VKB/MA