We must change procedure for appointing judges — Sophia Akuffo

Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has proposed changes to the appointment procedure of judges at the Superior Courts to ensure efficiency.

She emphasised the importance of establishing a transparent system, especially in modern times.

The former Chief Justice made this comment after her swearing-in ceremony by the president on February 18, 2025.

“The methodology for the appointment and selection of judges to the superior courts needs to change. I have already spoken about it many times, and I still stand by that. Because in the 21st century, we need more transparent methods of selecting people to assure that it is always by merit,” she noted while talking to the media.

Regarding the petition to remove the Chief Justice, she said, “That has nothing to do with the Council of State at this stage. It has not reached that stage. I am not going to prejudge anything. What I’ve seen of the petition is what I’ve seen in the newspaper. I have not seen the Chief Justice’s response”.

The appointment of Council of State members is in accordance with Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution as part of a broader effort to provide advisory support to the President in governance.

The Council of State is mandated to counsel the President on critical national matters, including the consideration of bills and appointments requiring consultation with the council.

Justice Sophia Akuffo and other appointees like former Speaker of Parliament Edward Doe Adjaho, chairman of the newly constituted Council of State; former Attorney-General Betty Mould Iddrisu; and former Member of Parliament Cletus Avoka have expressed commitment to supporting the President as mandated by law.