Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has publicly endorsed President John Dramani Mahama's call for a comprehensive review of Ghana's 1992 Constitution, diverging from former President Nana Akufo-Addo's stance that the Constitution is flawless and requires no amendments.
In an interview on January 7, 2025, Justice Akuffo emphasized the necessity of periodic constitutional reviews to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in addressing contemporary challenges. She stated, "The Constitution, being a living document, has to be nursed, nurtured, tweaked, and massaged. From time to time, we must take a look to see whether it continues in every respect to suit current-day purposes."
Justice Akuffo dismissed the notion that amending the Constitution undermines its credibility, asserting that revisions are essential to ensure that every provision serves the people's needs. She expressed full agreement with President Mahama's initiative to resume the constitutional review process that began over a decade ago but was subsequently halted.
Highlighting the Constitution's three-decade application, she noted that certain provisions have become inadequate or outdated, necessitating updates to better serve the nation. "We need to acknowledge that there are certain parts that are not working the way we had anticipated," she remarked. "There are ways it can be better."
Justice Akuffo's remarks align with President Mahama's recent advocacy for constitutional reforms aimed at enhancing governance and addressing current societal needs. This perspective contrasts with former President Akufo-Addo's view, who, in his final State of the Nation Address on January 3, 2025, cautioned against hasty constitutional amendments, suggesting a gradual approach to any potential changes.
The former Chief Justice's support for constitutional review adds significant weight to the ongoing national discourse on the necessity and scope of potential amendments to Ghana's foundational legal document.