- Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo is facing criticism for publicly commenting on the removal of Gertrude Torkornoo as Chief Justice.
- Legal expert Kwaku Ansa-Asare has accused her of breaching her oath of secrecy as a Council of State member.
- The controversy stems from Akuffo’s televised remarks questioning the fairness of the removal process.
- Her comments have sparked debate over confidentiality, governance ethics, and the role of advisory bodies in politically sensitive decisions.
A public statement by former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has triggered sharp criticism from legal circles, with accusations that she violated her oath of secrecy as a member of the Council of State.
The controversy erupted after Akuffo publicly questioned the process that led to the removal of Gertrude Torkornoo as Chief Justice. Her remarks, made during a televised interview, described the proceedings as unfair and damaging to the judiciary’s reputation.
Kwaku Ansa-Asare, former Director of the Ghana School of Law, responded by condemning the comments as inappropriate. He argued that Akuffo’s position on the Council of State requires strict confidentiality, and that her statements indirectly revealed details of internal deliberations.
The backlash has reignited debate over the boundaries of public commentary by high-ranking officials, especially those serving in advisory roles. Critics say Akuffo’s actions undermine the trust placed in the Council of State and raise concerns about the politicisation of judicial matters.
The removal of Justice Torkornoo was formalised on September 1, 2025, when President John Mahama signed a warrant based on the findings of a committee that investigated multiple petitions. The committee concluded that there was sufficient evidence of stated misbehaviour, prompting her dismissal from both the Chief Justice role and the Supreme Court bench.
As tensions rise over the fallout, calls are growing for clearer guidelines on how Council of State members engage with the public on sensitive national issues.
