Sophia Akuffo is not related to President Akufo- Addo - Gov't

Europa

May 12, 2017 5:21 PM

The government has said that it is just a coincidence that the in-coming Chief Justice, Sophia Akufo bares one of the names of the President.

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Government has denied claims that the next Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Sophia Akuffo is related to President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Some Ghanaians have criticised Nana Addo’s administration, describing his appointments as one made up of too many family and friends.

They argue that the announcement of Justice Sophia Akuffo is one of the many examples of an administration which is nepotistic.

But speaking on Accra-based Kasapa FM, the Deputy Minister of Informtion, Kojo Oppong said that the claims are without basis.

He said: “It’s just by chance that both of them [Nana Akuffo-Addo and Sophia Akuffo] share one name, same is the case with the Attorney General, Gloria Akuffo. These claims that Sophia Akuffo and Gloria Akuffo are related to the President is mere propaganda, they absolutely have no relationship.

"If that is the case, we’ll then conclude that whoever is called Nana, Dankwa or Addo is related to the President. I believe that will be stretching the issue. Ghanaians should not fall for this propaganda.”

President Nana Akufo-Addo on Friday nominated Justice Sophia Akuffo as the next Chief Justice.

She will take over from Mrs Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, who retires on June 8, 2017.

The president who made the announcement Friday said he believes that Ms Akuffo will be fair and independent in her new role.

He said: “She was my first junior in practice; she impressed me considerably with her hard work, independence of mind and spirit, honesty and integrity and deep-seated respect for the rule of law and abiding belief in the almighty God.”

“I have no doubt that Ms Akuffo would be a worthy successor to Chief Justice Wood and will uphold jealously the independence of the judiciary,” he said.

Europa