‘Presidents can’t have unfettered powers’ – Sophia Akuffo

Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has urged for enhanced constitutional safeguards to curb the excessive concentration of power within the President. She maintains that while the President needs sufficient authority to govern, such powers must be confined within clearly defined constitutional boundaries. "Presidents should have powers, but they cannot be unfettered powers," Akuffo emphasized.

She contends that Ghana's democratic framework necessitates more robust checks and balances to ensure that none of the three branches of government operates without adequate oversight. Akuffo highlights the importance of more stringent enforcement of the separation of powers to fortify democratic governance. She also asserts that her experience with the 1992 Constitution has revealed numerous weaknesses that demand attention.

According to her, rectifying these gaps is essential if Ghana is to construct a more enduring democratic system and regain public trust. In her interview on Channel One TV on September 2, 2026, Akuffo, who is also a Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), emphasized that constitutional reforms should prioritize the establishment of stronger constraints on presidential authority and ensure effective checks among the three branches of government.