Legal Career of a Legal Colossus
Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe known to close friends and familyas “Fo Yao” or “Sule” was born in Ho on 8 December 1950 to Ibrahim Gbadegbe, also known as Blacky Kodzo, and Charlotte Abra Atta. One of six children, he showed early signs of quiet intelligence and strong character.
His skill in arithmetic, and his capacity to share his knowledge meant that he was often called upon by teachers to explain lessons to those who were classes ahead of his own. While this was not always appreciated by the recipients, he never stopped teaching them when asked to do so. Indeed, from a young age, he was known for his perseverance and tenacity. It was during his school years that Sule first gained his love of football and played in both primary and secondary schools. Later as an avid fan and supporter of Manchester United, even his children had to fall into line. He was the only “Accredited Critic” of Manchester United but his weekend was made whenever they won a match.
He attended Okuapeman Secondary School from Forms One to Five, before joining Mawuli School in Ho for his Sixth Form studies between 1968 and 1970. While taking his studies seriously, young Sule was not above taking advantage of his youthful looks: because he never looked like a sixth former he would sneak home without an exeat to enjoy his mother’s food. It was during this time at Mawuli that Sule first met Kafui, a trainee teacher at Amedzofe Training College, whom he would eventually marry. Sule’s ultimate conversion to Christianity was inevitable that being the faith of his mother, his wife and all those surrounding him.
LEGAL CAREER
After graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1973, Sule went on to obtain his Qualifying Certificate from the Ghana School of Law and was called to the Bar in 1975. He began as a private legal practitioner in Ho, earning a reputation as an advocate for judicial honesty, and working many cases pro bono. However, his main interest was the Bench, and he began his distinguished judicial career in 1989 when he was appointed as a Justice of the High Court in Koforidua. Over the next ten years, he earned a reputation for integrity, thoughtfulness, and procedural diligence. In 1999, he was elevated
to the Court of Appeal, where he continued to distinguish himself over the following decade. In 2009, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Ghana by President John Evans Atta Mills.
Justice Gbadegbe was sworn into office on 2 November 2009, beginning what would become an 11-year tenure on the nation’s highest court.
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Among many important cases, Justice Gbadegbe served on the panel of nine justices during the landmark 2012-2013 presidential election petition, a defining moment in Ghana’s democratic evolution. He was widely admired by his peers for his meticulous legal reasoning, calm demeanour, and steadfast respect for due process. Known as a “stickler for procedure,” he upheld the law with clarity and conviction, earning the respect of legal professionals across generations.
He retired from the Supreme Court on 4 December 2020, upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 70, having faithfully served the judiciary for 31 years. His departure was marked by a heartfelt farewell and a memorable
valedictory judgment, where he delivered a characteristically thoughtful and principledinterpretation of the Constitution.
Gbadegbe was nominated in 2009 by then president of Ghana, John Evans Atta Mills. He was vetted on Monday 12 October 2009 and approved unanimously by parliament on 30 October that same year. He was sworn into office by the then president on 2 November 2009.
Gbadegbe retired in December 2020 from the Supreme Court after giving his valedictory judgement after thirty-one years' service in the judiciary.