Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo is expected to be enstooled as the Mmrahene of the Akuapem Traditional Area on Wednesday, May 20, during the Awukudae celebration at the Okuapehene Palace in Akropong-Akuapem in the Eastern Region.
The installation, announced by the descendants of Okuapehene Nana Kwasi Akuffo I, known as the Akuffo Descendants, is anticipated to draw traditional rulers, jurists, political leaders, members of the Akuapem Traditional Council, and citizens from across the country.
Organisers say activities will begin at Akuffo Fi, the ancestral home of the Akuffo family at Akropong-Akuapem, before proceeding to the palace of the Okuapehene for the main customary rites as part of the Awukudae festivities.
During the ceremony, Justice Sophia Akuffo will be introduced with the stool name Nana Abena Boafoa Akuffo.
In Akan traditional governance, the title “Mmrahene” is associated with the custodianship and interpretation of customary laws, traditions, and ethical standards within a traditional area. Holders of the title are often regarded as advisers on customary matters and are expected to contribute to dispute resolution and the preservation of traditional governance systems.
Analysts say Justice Akuffo’s distinguished legal and judicial career makes her a symbolic choice for a role connected to customary jurisprudence and traditional leadership.
Justice Akuffo served as Ghana’s 13th Chief Justice from 2017 to 2019 and previously held the position of President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. She currently serves as a member of the Council of State.
She hails from the royal Akuffo lineage of Akuapem and was born at Akropong-Akuapem on December 20, 1949.
The Akuapem State occupies a significant place in Ghana’s traditional and political history, with historians tracing its formal establishment to alliances formed in the 18th century following the defeat of Akwamu forces in 1730.
The Akuffo royal family has produced several prominent national figures, including former ceremonial President Edward Akufo-Addo and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
However, the planned installation has generated debate within sections of the Akuapem Traditional Area and among some customary stakeholders.
Some critics argue that such traditional installations involving high-profile public personalities must strictly follow established customary procedures and broad consultations to avoid future disputes over legitimacy and authority.
Others have questioned whether the role should remain symbolic or carry active customary and adjudicatory responsibilities within the traditional area.
Supporters of the move, however, say the installation recognises Justice Akuffo’s distinguished public service and contribution to justice and governance.
They argue that her elevation could strengthen the relationship between customary governance and modern constitutional leadership at a time when traditional institutions continue to play important mediation and developmental roles in Ghanaian society.
Organisers have described the event as a historic occasion and have invited members of the Akuffo family, residents of Akuapem, and the public to witness the ceremony.
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