Justice Sulemana Gbadegbe passes away at 74

Ghana has lost a respected legal figure, retired Supreme Court Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe. He passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, after a brief illness. Justice Gbadegbe was 74 years old.

His legal career lasted for decades. He was dedicated to judicial ethics and the rule of law.

Justice Gbadegbe served on the Supreme Court from 2009 until December 8, 2020. He retired at the mandatory age of 70.

Before joining the Supreme Court, he was a Justice of the Court of Appeal from 1999 to 2009. His judicial career began as a High Court judge from 1989 to 1999.

He was part of the nine-judge panel in the landmark presidential election petition of 2012/2013. This case tested Ghana’s judiciary's strength and impartiality.

Within the legal community, he was known for advocating ethical practices and procedural discipline. Colleagues remembered his insistence on high professional standards.

During his retirement ceremony in December 2020, Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah praised him. He commended Justice Gbadegbe for his commitment to service and integrity throughout his career.