Ghana has lost one of its esteemed legal minds, retired Supreme Court Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe, who passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the age of 74 after a brief illness. Justice Gbadegbe, a distinguished figure in Ghana’s judiciary, dedicated much of his life to the legal profession, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s legal landscape.
He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2009 and served diligently until his retirement on December 8, 2020, after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. Before ascending to the highest court in the land, Justice Gbadegbe held prominent positions, including a tenure as a Justice of Appeal from 1999 to 2009 and as a High Court judge from 1989 to 1999.
Justice Gbadegbe was one of the nine judges who presided over the high-profile 2012/2013 election petition, a case that became a significant moment in Ghana’s democratic history. Known for his strict adherence to procedure and unwavering commitment to ethical standards, he earned the respect of his peers and the legal community for his integrity and disciplined approach to the law.
At his retirement ceremony in December 2020, then-Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah praised Justice Gbadegbe for his steadfast service to the country. His colleagues on the bench remember him as a figure who upheld justice with impartiality and rigor, making him an exemplary role model for future generations of legal practitioners.
Justice Gbadegbe’s passing marks the end of an era in Ghana’s judiciary, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.
