Justice Philip Bright Mensah has retired from the Supreme Court after an exceptional 51 years in public service – 28 years as a judge and 23 years as a judicial service worker.
His career path leaves a lasting legacy in Ghana’s judiciary, having risen through the ranks as a court recorder through to the apex court.
He is widely regarded in the legal profession by both lawyers and his fellow judges, who recognise his dedication to the justice delivery system.
Justice Philip Bright Mensah was among the seven Supreme Court judges appointed by President John Mahama last year. He took office on July 3, 2025 after successfully making it through a parliamentary vetting process.
He delivered a valedictory judgment on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, marking the end of his illustrious career as a judge, having attained the constitutionally mandated age of 70 for a Supreme Court judge.
Prior to joining the Ghanaian Bench, Justice Mensah had served in various capacities within the Judicial Service, including as a typist/recorder, clerk, Circuit Court Registrar, Deputy Regional Registrar, and Regional Registrar.
He then joined the Bench and rose through the ranks – starting from the District Court judge, Circuit Court judge, Chairman of a Regional Tribunal, High Court judge, Court of Appeal judge, and ultimately a Justice of the Supreme Court.
He is noted for his decision in the Stephen Kwabena Opuni and Two Others vs the Republic at the Court of Appeal, where he held that the decision to start a criminal trial afresh should be the discretion of the trial judge, a decision which departed from established common law practice.
In a brief remark, Justice Mensah expressed gratitude to colleagues, family members, and acquaintances who supported his career, while paying special tribute to Justice Henrietta Joy Abena Nyarko Mensa-Bonsu, whom he described as a mentor during his time at the Law School, Legon.
Acting Chief Justice, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, in a remark, indicated that while retirement marked the end of active service in the Judicial Service, it did not diminish the value of a life fully devoted to the judiciary and Ghana as a country.
“True careers better illustrate what institutional loyalty, hard work and good management could achieve,” Justice Pwamang said, while adding that the retired jurist would be missed on the Bench for his selfless roles and significant contributions.
President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mrs. Efua Ghartey, on her part, praised Justice Mensah for his high standards on the Bench, intellectual clarity, and commitment to substantial justice.
She also lauded him for his rigorous scrutiny of legal arguments, courtesy in court, and respect for lawyers.
The GBA President pointed out that members of the Bar, who had ever appeared before Justice Mensah, would attest to his fairness, standing by facts, and rigorous questioning.
“Indeed, his court was a place where preparation was sine qua non, precision mattered and courtesy was not optional. His cogent judgments were marked by intellectual principles and an unquestioning awareness of the duty to do substantial justice,” she added.
Acting Judicial Secretary, Justice Dr. Cyracus Badinye Bapuurah, said Justice Mensah held on to the rule of law and inspired young lawyers and colleagues on the Bench.
He added that many people had experienced the positive impact of the retired judge, and his legacy in the judiciary would continue to shape judicial history.
