Former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo has broken her silence on the petition for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo.
According to Sophia Akuffo, the petition to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has not reached the Council of State.
She noted that the petition to remove the Chief Justice she has not seen the petition all she knows is what she saw in the newspapers.
Speaking to journalists after their swearing-in by the President at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, February 18, Akuffo noted, “That has nothing to do with us the Council of State at this stage, it has not reached the Council of State, I am not going to prejudge anything, I have not seen.. what I have seen of the petition is what I saw in the newspaper, I have not seen the Chief Justice’s respond”.
“I am not her boss, so far as I am concerned she is a Judge performing her Judicial function and she is a Chief Justice performing her administrative functions”, she added.
She further added, “There might be some reforms, but the methodology for the appointment and selection of Judges to the Superior Court I have already spoken about it, and I still stand by that, because in the 21st century, we need more transparent methods, of selecting people to ensure that it is always by merit”.
Sophia Akuffo also defended her right to be part of the Council of State, emphasising her qualifications and independence, “I am a former Chief Justice. Am I not? Do I or do I not qualify? I am there in my own right simply as a former Chief Justice. I am not even there representing the Judicial Service”.
“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.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.
Meanwhile, President Mahama has stated the Council of State is not merely a formality, but a duty for members to ensure the government receives informed guidance on governance, policy, and national development.
President Mahama highlighted the significant role of the Council of State in offering non-partisan insights to the executive arm of government.
He described the Council as a distinguished advisory body made up of men and women of integrity, sound judgment, and vast expertise.
He urged members of the Council to go beyond ceremonial duties and embrace their profound responsibility.
Watch the video below:
Former Chief Justice and now Council of State Member, Her Ladyship Sophia Akuffo on the petition for the removal of Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo and the nomination of politically exposed persons to the courts… #GHOneNews #EIBNetwork #GHOneTV… pic.twitter.com/S9PqskSLaE
— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) February 19, 2025
