Retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice William Atuguba, has expressed his displeasure with Council of State member, Sophia Akuffo, over her remarks concerning the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo.

In an interview on TV3 on September 9, 2025, Atuguba stated that Sophia Akuffo’s comments should not have been made, asserting that she has breached the oath of secrecy she took as a member of the Council of State.

He also stated that her actions breached Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution, specifically clause 4, which states: “A member of the Council of State shall, at the first meeting of the Council which he attends, take and subscribe to the oath of secrecy and the oath of a member of the Council of State set out in the Second Schedule to this Constitution.”

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“Since the oath of secrecy is in place, humanly speaking, she must conduct herself accordingly (sic). If we are all behaving in accordance with guided principles (sic), then there will never be a problem. So, sometimes these things can happen. It is unfortunate it has happened, that she (Sophia Akuffo) came out and revealed whatever happened, contrary to Article 89. It is certainly a breach of the oath of secrecy,” he expressed.

Background

Sophia Akuffo condemned the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office, arguing that her successor was not given a fair hearing.

She made the remarks in an interview on TV3 on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

“She did not get a fair trial. Even though it is not a trial strictly speaking, it was handled as though it were a treason trial,” Sophia Akuffo said.

In another statement, Akuffo also criticised the process that led to the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing it as a 'rigmarole' and an ordeal no judge should have to endure.

"I pray to God that no Chief Justice, no judge should go through this rigmarole again," she said.

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