Presidential Spokesperson and The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has disclosed that former Chief Justice Justice Sophia A.B. Akuffo has officially resigned from the Council of State following the completion of consultations regarding her decision. He explained that the resignation process began several months ago and was only concluded after the Council of State completed its own engagement with her.
The Minister of Government Communications stated that Justice Sophia Akuffo submitted a resignation letter to President John Dramani Mahama in September 2025. He indicated that the letter communicated her intention to leave the advisory body although no reason was provided for the decision.
Honourable Kwakye explained that the President was initially expected to accept the resignation immediately upon receiving the letter. He noted, however, that the Council of State requested additional time to engage the former Chief Justice before a final decision was reached. According to the Presidential Spokesperson, the Council sought to establish whether any underlying issues informed her decision. He further stated that the Council subsequently informed the President that its engagement had been concluded and that the resignation could then be accepted.
“The President has formally accepted her resignation, and she is no longer a member of the Council of State. The law is clear on what processes to undertake to replace her, and that is going on as we speak. So, in due course, a replacement will be announced for Justice Sophia Akuffo.”
Honourable Felix Kwakye Ofosu
The Minister of Government Communications noted that the constitutional process for filling the vacancy has already commenced. He stated that the necessary procedures are being followed and that an announcement on a replacement would be made in due course.
Furthermore, he confirmed that Dr. Bossman Asare has submitted a letter indicating his intention to step down as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission effective July 31, 2026.
The Presidential Spokesperson said Dr. Asare cited personal career considerations in his correspondence to the President. He explained that the Deputy Chairperson intends to return to academic work at the University of Ghana after years of public service.
He noted that Dr. Asare expressed appreciation to the President and the people of Ghana for the opportunity to serve in one of the key constitutional institutions of the country. The Minister of Government Communications described the resignation as part of a transition that would be managed through established legal procedures. Besides, the Presidential Spokesperson disclosed that the Council of State is already considering a nominee for one of the vacancies.
Honourable Kwakye added that separate processes would be undertaken to replace both departing officials. He disclosed that the government would announce the appointments once all constitutional requirements had been satisfied.
Government Defends Presidency Staffing Levels And Salary Structure
Presidential Spokesperson and The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu intimated that that the government has fulfilled a key pledge to reduce the number of political appointees at the Presidency. He revealed official records show a significant reduction in staffing compared with figures inherited from the previous administration.
The Minister of Government Communications explained that President John Dramani Mahama submitted the current list of presidential staff in compliance with Ghanaian law. He noted that the published list contains 233 political appointees and 575 civil and public servants, bringing the total workforce at the Presidency to 808.
Honourable Kwakye said the figures demonstrated the government’s commitment to improving efficiency within the executive branch. He added that President Mahama had implemented similar reductions in the number of ministers and deputy ministers.
The Presidential Spokesperson contrasted the current numbers with figures from 2024. He stated that 953 people worked at the Presidency during the final year of the previous administration, including 355 political appointees and 598 civil and public servants.
According to the Minister of Government Communications, public discussion about the size of government influenced calls for reforms. He said President Mahama entered office with a commitment to reducing expenditure linked to political appointments.
“President Mahama promised to slash down the number of political appointees and people who work at the presidency, and he has done exactly that.”
Honourable Felix Kwakye Ofosu
Honourable Kwakye further disclosed that there are currently 58 ministers and deputy ministers serving in government. He explained that the administration had originally planned to operate with 60 appointees in those positions.
The Presidential Spokesperson also addressed claims regarding salaries and benefits for presidential staff. He argued that reports suggesting increases in emoluments for political appointees were inaccurate and failed to account for constitutional procedures governing remuneration.
He explained that Article 71 office holders receive salaries and conditions of service determined through a legally prescribed process. The Minister of Government Communications stated that President Mahama has not established a new committee to review those emoluments since assuming office.
Honourable Kwakye said the current remuneration framework was approved before the change of government. He noted that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo submitted the recommendations to Parliament on January 6, 2025 and the legislature subsequently approved them.
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