Former Supreme Court Justice Julius Ansah Passes Away at 74

Written By : Afua Amankwanowa

Justice Julius Ansah, a former Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana, has sadly passed away at the age of 74, four years after retiring from an impressive 41-year career in public service. He began his journey in law at the Attorney-General's Department in Koforidua as a National Service Person after being called to the Bar.

In 1979, he joined the judiciary as a District Magistrate Grade II, serving in Assin Fosu in the Central Region. Two years later, in 1981, he was promoted to District Magistrate Grade I. By 1986, he was appointed to the Circuit Court and three years later, in 1989, he ascended to the High Court, with his first posting in Tamale, where he also served as Supervising High Court Judge. His elevation continued in 1999 when he was appointed to the Court of Appeal, and in 2004, he reached the pinnacle of his career as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

During his tenure, Justice Ansah held various significant positions, including serving on the General Legal Council, the Judicial Council, and acting as the Director of the Public Complaints Unit & Inspectorate Unit. He also served as Acting Chief Justice at one point in his career. His retirement was marked by a memorable ceremony at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra, where his dedication to justice was honored with a citation, long service award, and a retirement package.

At his retirement event, then-Chief Justice Anin Yeboah shared mixed feelings, celebrating Justice Ansah’s remarkable contribution to the judiciary while acknowledging the loss of his presence on the Bench. He commended Justice Ansah’s modesty, honesty, and professionalism, which were evident throughout his 41 years of service, from his early days in Assin Fosu to the High Court in Tamale, and finally to the Supreme Court. Justice Ansah's work impacted many regions, including Wenchi, Hohoe, Agona Swedru, Tamale, and Sekondi.