Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has firmly defended her decision to take part in the 2023 protest against the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), saying she has no regret and would do the same again if faced with a similar situation.
Akuffo explained that her choice to stand with pensioners outside the Ministry of Finance was driven by her beliefs and principles rather than any plan to make headlines. She said her presence on the picket line was spontaneous after she saw people protesting the effects of the DDEP and realised they were not being heard.
She told journalists that she was not part of the policy discussions that led to the DDEP and did not influence the decision to restructure domestic debt, which included cuts in bond values known as “haircuts.” However, she said that if she believed strongly that the public was wronged, she would again take a stand alongside citizens who felt aggrieved.
Akuffo noted that her upbringing and legal background shaped her view that silence in the face of what she sees as unjust or unlawful actions is not acceptable. She stressed that even though protests are not always easy or comfortable, speaking up for what she considers right is necessary.
Her involvement in the pensioners’ protest surprised many because former Chief Justices are usually seen as distant from street demonstrations. Still, Akuffo said her actions were consistent with her commitment to justice and fairness.
