Ghanaian Legal Icon Justice Sulemana Nasiru Gbadegbe Passes Away at 74

Ghana is mourning the loss of a retired Supreme Court judge, His Lordship Justice Sulemana Nasiru Gbadegbe, who passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the age of 74, following a brief illness. His passing marks the end of a distinguished life dedicated to the pursuit of justice and upholding the rule of law.

Justice Gbadegbe’s illustrious judicial career spanned more than three decades, earning him admiration for his unparalleled integrity, profound legal wisdom, and steadfast commitment to ethical principles. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2009, he served with distinction until his retirement on December 8, 2020, upon reaching the mandatory age of 70.

Before his elevation to the apex court, Justice Gbadegbe served on the Court of Appeal from 1999 to 2009, and began his judicial journey in 1989 as a High Court judge. His tenure was marked by a reputation for fairness, thoroughness, and an unyielding respect for due process.

A defining chapter of his legacy was his role as one of the nine justices on the panel of Ghana’s landmark 2012/2013 presidential election petition. This historic case tested the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions, and his contribution was a testament to his unwavering belief in the rule of law.

Known among his peers as a “stickler for procedure,” Justice Gbadegbe’s meticulous approach and reverence for legal protocols earned him widespread respect. His judicial philosophy, deeply rooted in fairness, left an indelible mark on Ghana’s legal system.

At his retirement, then Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah described him as a “pillar of judicial excellence,” celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire the legal fraternity. As Ghana bids farewell to this iconic figure, tributes are expected to pour in from colleagues, legal practitioners, and former students, honoring a life devoted to justice and nation-building.

Justice Gbadegbe’s passing is a profound loss to Ghana’s judiciary and a somber reminder of the enduring impact of his remarkable contributions.