The Member of Parliament for Guan, Honourable Fred Kwesi Agbenyo has urged caution over reports surrounding the alleged resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo from the Council of State, saying public discussions should be guided by verified information.
Speaking on the matter, Honourable Agbenyo indicated that no official communication has been issued to confirm the development. He therefore advised against drawing conclusions until the relevant authorities provided clarity.
The Guan MP noted that resignations from public office occur in many jurisdictions and often arise from personal convictions or differences over policy and governance matters. He explained that such decisions are sometimes taken by individuals who prioritise principle and public service. Nevertheless, he observed that neither government nor Sophia Akuffo has publicly confirmed the alleged resignation at the time of his remarks.
“For now, whatever we say about the matter remains speculation. We have not seen any official communication and we have not seen any resignation letter. Facts must guide the discussion.”
Honourable Fred Kwesi Agbenyo
Furthermore, he stated that public silence should not be interpreted as confirmation of media reports. He added that there could be several reasons for the absence of a public response from those directly involved.
Honourable Agbenyo also drew attention to constitutional provisions governing the composition of the Council of State. He explained that Article 89 provides for the inclusion of a former Chief Justice among the council’s members.
According to him, the Constitution also provides mechanisms for replacement should a member become unable to continue serving. He noted that circumstances such as ill health or personal decisions could create the need for a new appointment.
The Guan MP indicated that the President would be required to appoint another qualified individual if a vacancy formally arose. He said such a step would ensure compliance with the constitutional framework.
Additionally, Honourable Agbenyo cautioned against linking the reported resignation to ongoing public debates without supporting evidence. He acknowledged that several theories have emerged on social media and in political discussions.
“People may hold different views and advance different explanations. Yet public debate must rest on evidence and not assumptions. That is how serious national issues should be approached.”
Honourable Fred Kwesi Agbenyo
Honourable Agbenyo reiterated that further discussion would become meaningful once the facts were established. He therefore encouraged the public to await official clarification before assigning motives or drawing political interpretations.
Guan MP Defends Constitutional Processes While Revisiting Legal Disputes
Addressing arguments linked to the removal of Chief Justice Tokono, Honourable Agbenyo argued that constitutional procedures should determine the legitimacy of any decision. He explained that legal outcomes should be assessed on the basis of the law and not political sentiment.
The Guan MP stated that disagreement with a process does not automatically indicate a breach of constitutional provisions. He noted that every claim should be examined against the requirements of the Constitution.
Moreover, Honourable Agbenyo pointed to previous instances where constitutional mechanisms has been applied to public officials. He said the Constitution provides avenues for the removal of office holders where specific conditions are met.
According to him, the same legal framework extends to ministers, members of Parliament and even the President. He stressed that public office carries responsibilities that are ultimately governed by law.
“The Constitution is clear on how public officers are appointed and removed. Once the law is followed, the process must be evaluated within that legal framework.”
Honourable Fred Kwesi Agbenyo
He revisited the controversy surrounding the Electoral Commission and the parliamentary elections in Guan. He disclosed that he disagreed with a committee report which found no prima facie case to continue proceedings relating to a petition against the Electoral Commissioner.
Honourable Agbenyo argued that the exclusion of Guan constituents from participation in the Eighth Parliament elections represented a serious issue. He said the matter deserved greater consideration within the legal process.
Additionally, the MP observed that his disagreement with the findings did not alter the committee’s decision. He nevertheless indicated that public officials and citizens alike have the right to express differing views on constitutional questions.
The Guan MP also rejected suggestions that legal action against office holders should be avoided because of possible public perceptions. He argued that accountability remains important regardless of how decisions are interpreted politically.
Furthermore, Honourable Agbenyo cited the work of His Lordship Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and the committee that reviewed the petition against the Electoral Commissioner. He noted that while he respected the committee’s authority, he continues to hold a different position on the outcome.
“If it is true that she has resigned, I wish her well. She has always spoken her mind and contributed meaningfully to national discourse.”
Honourable Fred Kwesi Agbenyo
He also paid tribute to Sophia Akuffo, describing her as a public figure known for expressing her views openly. He said she has demonstrated independence of thought throughout her years in public service.
READ ALSO: Starmer Announces Plan to Ban Social Media for Under-16s
