A valedictory judgment ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the Supreme Court in Accra to honor Her Ladyship Justice Mariama Owusu, a respected Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana, as she retires from the bench. Justice Owusu, known for her integrity, respect for lawyers, and accommodating demeanor, leaves behind a legacy of fairness and judicial excellence. Her career, which began in 1990 as a magistrate, saw her rise through the ranks, serving across various regions in Ghana, including Kumasi, Sunyani, Tema, and Accra, and progressing from the district court to the Supreme Court.
Throughout her years on the bench, Justice Owusu was widely regarded for her judicial temperament and commitment to justice, making her courtroom a less stressful environment for lawyers. Her last case, Nii Odai Ayiku vs The Attorney General, exemplified her dedication to upholding the law with impartiality. She was called to the bar in 1981 and built a reputation as an embodiment of the values expected of a judge in Ghana, consistently treating those who appeared before her with dignity and respect.
The ceremony was attended by key figures in Ghana’s legal community, including the Judicial Secretary and the President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), who presented Justice Owusu with a bouquet in appreciation of her service. Justice Owusu’s legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations within the judiciary, and her retirement marks the end of an era characterized by fairness, compassion, and dedication to the rule of law.
Chief Justice Delivers Her Remarks
The Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, is currently delivering her remarks at the valedictory ceremony. In her speech, she is honoring the remarkable contributions of Justice Mariama Owusu to the judiciary, reflecting on her dedication to the legal profession and her unwavering commitment to upholding justice throughout her distinguished career.
Family woman
Justice Owusu is not only a respected figure with a legacy of fairness and dedication, she is also a proud mother of two daughters, both of whom are accomplished doctors.
Parting Remarks
During her valedictory address, Justice Mariama Owusu shared her plans for retirement, stating that, for the time being, she intends to take a well-deserved rest. She hinted, however, that she might eventually channel her wealth of experience and insights into writing, leaving open the possibility of authoring reflections on her decades of service in the judiciary.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic and emotional final bow, as her fellow Justices on the Supreme Court bench stood and bowed to her, honoring her legacy and showing their respect for her distinguished career. This traditional gesture marked the end of a celebrated chapter in her life and in the history of Ghana’s judiciary.
