There will be no immediate replacement for former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo on the Council of State despite the government announcing that processes are underway to fill the vacancy, sources say.
According to the sources, the seat will remain vacant until the current Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, proceeds on his terminal leave.
The sources further indicated that once Justice Baffoe-Bonnie begins his terminal leave, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang is expected to assume the role of Chief Justice in an acting capacity, paving the way for Justice Baffoe-Bonnie to be appointed to the Council of State to replace Justice Sophia Akuffo.
The development follows government’s confirmation that Madam Akuffo formally resigned from the Council of State in September last year.
Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, disclosed that although the former Chief Justice did not state reasons for her resignation, the Council of State sought time to engage her before advising President John Dramani Mahama to accept her resignation.
The Minister said the Constitution provides a clear process for filling vacancies on the Council of State and assured that the necessary procedures are being followed.
However, the latest information suggests that any appointment to replace Madam Akuffo will have to wait until the anticipated transition at the apex of the Judiciary is completed.
