From Dormaahene to Sampahene: Superior Court justices of Ghana who are powerful chiefs

Ghana’s traditional rulers wield considerable influence in their communities, while judges of the Superior Courts exercise some of the highest legal authority in the country. But in a handful of cases, these two worlds intersect, with senior judicial figures also occupying powerful traditional stools.

From the Supreme Court to the Court of Appeal, some justices have combined careers in Ghana’s formal justice system with roles as chiefs and queen mothers. Their traditional positions place them at the centre of customary authority, while their judicial careers have given them a role in interpreting and applying the country’s laws.

There have been growing calls for traditional authorities to be more involved in the governance of the country, including having a quota in the Parliament of Ghana. The pedigree of these chief-cum-justices certainly gives credence to these calls.

Here are the powerful chiefs who were traditional rulers while on the bench.

Dormaahene:

One of the most powerful chiefs in Ghana who is also a justice is Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr Agyemang Badu II.

Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II, who is known in private life as Justice Daniel Mensah, is the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area (Dormaahene). He was enstooled as the Dormaahene on June 7, 1999, succeeding his uncle, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu I.

The Dormaahene (L) after he was sworn in as a Justice of the Court of Appeal by President Mahama (R)

The Dormaahene was elevated to be a Justice of the Court of Appeal in 2025, having served as a justice of the High Court for several years.

Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II also serves as President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and the Chairperson of the Governing Council of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR).

Sampahene:

Another justice of the Court of Appeal who is a paramount chief is Justice Emmanuel Ankamah.

Justice Emmanuel Ankamah, who is known in traditional circles as Nana Samgba Gyafla II, is the Omanhene (paramount chief) of Sampa Traditional Area.

Sampahene was a Justice of the Court of Appeal when he was installed as Paramount Chief of Sampa in December 2023.



The Sampahene paying homage to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

He subsequently swore the oath of allegiance to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, at the Asanteman Council.

Despite an ongoing dispute over the Sampa stool, Nana Gyafla is recognised as the chief of the area both by the courts and the National House of Chiefs.

Chief of Amosima

Retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, was the chief of Amosima in the Abura Asebu Kwanmankese District in the Central Region while he was still on the bench.



Justice Philip Bright Mensah during his vetting as a nominee for the Supreme Court

Justice Mensah, who had the stool name Nana Amoa VIII, is also the Nyimfahene of the Asebu Traditional Area.

He served on the Court of Appeal before becoming a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana.

He succeeded the late Nana Amoa VII, Joseph Kweku Arthur, as Chief of Amosima.

BAI