Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has stated that Ghanaians should not expect members of the Council of State to be mere followers but rather individuals who effectively fulfill their constitutional responsibilities.

Speaking in an interview on TV3, she assured that the Council would operate with independence and integrity.

“Nobody should expect this Council of State to be a bunch of ‘YES’ people with a head mentality just following along but being serious and steady and critical and applying utmost integrity to what we will be doing,” she said.

Madam Akuffo emphasized that the Council of State is a non-partisan advisory body composed of experienced individuals to guide the President, noting that while the President is not legally bound by its advice, it should be respected and carefully considered.

She also dismissed calls for the abolition of the Council, arguing that its role remains crucial.

“In a country where we are more tickled by excitement and by sensation, people working in their little corner are not deemed to be exciting. There would be those who will, in my view, frequently say, ‘What’s the use of the Council of State? We haven’t even heard of them.’

“You don’t have to hear of them. What is important is that they should be people who are giving sage advice to the person at the helm of affairs,” she explained.