Retired Supreme Court Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe has passed away at the age of 74, following a brief illness. His death occurred on Saturday, April 5, 2025, marking the end of a remarkable life devoted to the service of justice in Ghana.
Justice Gbadegbe’s judicial career spanned more than 30 years, during which he earned widespread respect for his integrity, legal acumen, and unwavering commitment to ethical conduct.
He served on the Supreme Court from 2009 until his retirement on December 8, 2020, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Prior to his appointment to the apex court, he served on the Court of Appeal from 1999 to 2009. His judicial journey began in 1989 as a High Court judge, where he quickly distinguished himself as a principled and thorough adjudicator.
One of the most defining moments of his career came when he sat as one of the nine justices on the panel that presided over Ghana’s landmark 2012/2013 presidential election petition — a case that tested the strength and maturity of the nation’s democratic institutions.
Known among his peers as a “stickler for procedure,” Justice Gbadegbe was celebrated for his meticulous application of the law and deep reverence for due process. His judicial philosophy was rooted in fairness, and he consistently championed the rule of law throughout his tenure.
At his retirement, then Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah lauded him as a pillar of judicial excellence, stating, “Justice Gbadegbe served this country with commitment and left an indelible mark on Ghana’s judiciary.”
His death is a significant loss to Ghana’s legal fraternity. Tributes from colleagues, legal practitioners, and former students are expected in the days ahead, honouring a man whose legacy will continue to influence Ghana’s legal landscape for years to come.
