First Ghanaian Muslim Supreme Court Judge: President Akufo-Addo erred
Following the appointment and swearing in of Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga and Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu as Justices of the Supreme Court, on Friday, 22nd May, 2020, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, during the swearing in ceremony disclosed that, Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu is first Ghanaian Muslim to be appointed into the Supreme Court as a judge since independence.
“The swearing in ceremony of Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu means that this is the first time in the history of the Republic of Ghana where a Muslim has been appointed to the highest court of the land. I am delighted to have been the first President to have sworn a Muslim Justice into the Supreme Court and has the honour of doing so, and to do so appropriately in this Holy Month of Ramadan.” He disclosed.
Soon after the swearing in ceremony where the President disclosed the information, a section of Ghanaians have jabbed him to have erred, saying, Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu is not the first Ghanaian Muslim appointed to the Supreme Court. This has generated a very strong debate on social media among some section of Ghanaians.
Appointment of Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe Into The Supreme Court
Information available suggests that, Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe was rather the first Ghanaian Muslim to be appointed into the Supreme Court. Researches revealed that, he was sworn on the Holy Quran and converted to Christianity later in life.
Aside that, information discloses that, another Muslim judge Justice Mariama Owusu was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court in December 2019 by President Akufo-Addo where she was also sworn on the Quran.
Meanwhile, Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court in May 2020. He was also sworn on the Quran. According to the Ghanaian populace, this is a clear indication that, president Akufo-Addo erred in his education.
Appointment of Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe into Appeal Court.
Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe was nominated by former President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills in accordance with Article 144 (2) of the 1992 Constitution on the advice of the Judicial Council and in consultation with the Council of State to be considered by Parliament for the Supreme Court. His appointment was subsequently approved by the Parliament of Ghana.
His appointment was in connection with the three vacancies created following the death of Justice Prof. Tawiah Modibo Ocran, retirement of Justice Theodore Adzoe and the resignation of Justice F. Y. Kpegah.
High Court Judge
Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe was first appointed a High Court Judge in 1989 by former President Jerry John Rawlings and subsequently a Justice of the Court of Appeal in 1999 where he served until his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2009 by former president John Evan Atta Mills.
Birth of Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe
Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe was born on December 8, 1950. He hails from Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana.
OTHERS
Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe obtained his LLB degree from the University of Ghana (LEGON) in 1973 and subsequently his Qualifying Certificate in Law in 1975 from the Ghana School of Law.
