Justice Sophia Akuffo: A Moral Compass for Africa's Next Generation of Women

Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo stands as a towering beacon of moral clarity, justice, and unyielding principle in Ghana and across Africa.

Throughout her stellar career on the Supreme Court of Ghana and as President of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, her actions have consistently defied partisan convenience in favor of national integrity.

A Record of Unwavering Principle
Justice Akuffo’s leadership has always been defined by action over rhetoric. She famously broke traditional elitist silence by picketing alongside pensioner bondholders at the Ministry of Finance. Fiercely protesting the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), she openly condemned the inclusion of elderly citizens' savings as "unlawful" and "wicked".

Her adherence to due process as a member of the Council of State, she stood as the sole abstention in a highly charged 30-to-1 vote regarding the inquiry of her successor, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Divine Mandates on Justice and Governance
Justice Akuffo’s career mirrors the profound truth that true governance requires scriptural and moral alignment. In the Bible, Proverbs 29:2 explicitly states: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan." Her career reflects this dedication to righteousness, reminding leaders that power is a sacred trust to protect the vulnerable.

Similarly, Micah 6:8 demands of us: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

This mirrors the Quranic mandate in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), which instructs believers to remain resolute in truth, regardless of the consequences: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives."

Furthermore, Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8) declares: "Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that you deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty."

An Inspiration for the Next Generation
For young girls, ladies, and aspiring female leaders across Africa, Justice Sophia Akuffo serves as the ultimate moral compass. She once advised young ladies to keep their chastity and morality over material things when she said “the iPhone can wait”.

Her legacy breaks the glass ceiling, proving that women can attain the highest echelons of state power without trading their moral autonomy or intellectual independence.

She exemplifies how to look beyond immediate political approval to safeguard institutional truth, transparency, and accountability at all levels of government.

Africa requires strong institutional sentinels to prosper. Young women must emulate her courage to question overreach, speak truth to power, and stand firmly by their convictions.

By choosing principles over political convenience, Sophia Akuffo has outlined the exact path to building a just, accountable, and morally upright nation.

We supplicate to the Almighty Allah to guide me in raising children who admire exemplary figures such as Justice Sophia Akuffo, looking past differences in faith and inherent human imperfections.

The traditions and righteous lifestyle of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) underscore the importance of endorsing just leadership and moral excellence universally. Ultimately, the Islamic faith dictates that the pursuit of truth, justice, and virtuous character is an obligation binding upon all.

God bless our homeland Ghana and make her greater and stronger.

By Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman
Tafidan Hausa Africa and Europe.
Executive Director, African Security and Development Forum (ASDEF)

Eminent Member and Chairman of the Finance and Fundraising Committee, GARPC - the National Peace Council of Ghana.

Ms. Hawawu Mohammed Osman President, the Millennium Muslim Women of West Africa MMWWA.

Ms. Rashida Ibrahim
Secretary, Millennium Muslim Women of West Africa.