The Tufuhene of Adweso-Akuapem, Nana Bekoe Dankwa, has underscored the enduring honour attached to Ghana’s judicial service, describing the recognition of former Chief Justice Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo in the Akuapem Traditional Area as a powerful symbol of respect for national leadership and institutional excellence.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Nana Bekoe Dankwa said distinguished public offices such as that of the Chief Justice remain lifelong symbols of service and prestige, even after retirement from active duty.

“Once a Chief Justice, always a Chief Justice, like a soldier is always a soldier. These professions do not expire but are always revered and honoured,” he stated.

He stressed that the judiciary, as a key arm of government, retains its dignity beyond tenure, adding that former Chief Justices continue to represent institutional wisdom and national heritage.

Nana Bekoe Dankwa also highlighted the symbolic importance of integrating high-profile national figures into traditional governance structures within Akuapeman, describing it as a reflection of the area’s contribution to Ghana’s leadership development.

“A Chief Justice is an arm of government, and having such an arm of government among Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III’s council is a great shine for Okuapeman, indicating Akuapem as one of the greatest human resource producers of our country, Ghana,” he noted.

His remarks came against the backdrop of the formal enstoolment of former Chief Justice Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo as “Mmrahene” of the Akuapem Traditional Area in the Eastern Region.

Justice Akuffo was enstooled on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at the Okuapehene’s Palace in Akropong-Akuapem during the Awukudae celebrations, in a ceremony that brought together traditional leaders, members of the Akuapem Traditional Council, and invited guests.

The enstoolment process began earlier at Akuffo Fi, the ancestral home of the Akuffo family in Akropong-Akuapem, before the main ceremony at the palace, where she was formally introduced into the Akuapem traditional leadership structure under Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III.

As part of the installation, she will henceforth bear the stool name Nana Abena Boafoa Akuffo, marking her formal inclusion into the traditional council.

Justice Akuffo, a current member of the Council of State, previously served as President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and chaired the Governing Council of the University of Ghana, Legon.