Watch as judges bid farewell to Supreme Court judge Philip Bright Mensah as he retires

Justice Philip Bright Mensah has formally retired from Ghana’s apex court, drawing the curtain on a judicial career that spanned more than three decades and traversed every tier of the country’s court system.

At a brief but solemn sitting on February 12, 2026, the Supreme Court of Ghana suspended its regular business to honour the retiring jurist.

“Today, the Supreme Court of Ghana pauses its regular business to honour one of its own a jurist whose career embodies dedication, perseverance and an abiding faith in the institutions of justice.

"We are here to bid farewell to His Lordship, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, who retires from the bench upon attaining the constitutionally mandated retirement age.

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“Justice Mensah’s journey through the Judicial Service is both remarkable and instructive. He brought to the Supreme Court a deep institutional memory, a disciplined work ethic and a practical understanding of justice shaped by decades of service at every level of the judiciary.

"His contributions during judgment conferences revealed him as thoughtful and measured. His approach to adjudication reflected fairness, clarity of thought and fidelity to the Constitution of Ghana,” one sitting judge said.

Another judge added, “Those of us who have worked with him know him to be a man of quiet strength, humility and courtesy. Justice Mensah’s career is more than a personal success story; it is a testament to what steady dedication to public service can achieve.

“Even when he disagreed strongly with counsel, he did so respectfully. He consistently modelled patience and professionalism. He is firm but friendly, compassionate and always encouraged lawyers to fully present their arguments.”

Appointed to the Supreme Court on July 3, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama, Justice Mensah’s tenure at the apex court was brief. However, his overall contribution to Ghana’s justice delivery system extended far beyond his months on the Supreme Court bench.

His 51 years in public service included 23 years within the Judicial Service prior to his elevation to the bench and 28 years as a judge.

He began his career as a typist/recorder and rose through the ranks as a clerk, circuit court registrar, deputy regional registrar and regional registrar.

After being called to the bench, he served successively as a District Court judge, Circuit Court judge, Chairman of a Regional Tribunal, High Court judge, Court of Appeal judge and ultimately Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana a rare example of steady, organic progression within the judiciary.

During his valedictory address, Justice Mensah reflected on his decades of service and expressed appreciation to colleagues, family members and associates who supported his journey.

He paid special tribute to Henrietta Joy Abena Nyarko Mensa-Bonsu, whom he described as a mentor during his time at the Ghana School of Law, Legon.

Supreme court judge Philip Bright Mensah retires from judicial service#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/KY2uvqS1J9

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) February 12, 2026

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