SUPREME COURT: “I miss being a Justice of the Supreme Court” — Retired Justice Bright Mensah Reflects

Retirement may have taken Justice Philip Bright Mensah away from Ghana’s Supreme Court, but it has not taken away his affection for the institution.

“I do. I do,” the retired Supreme Court Justice said when asked by broadcaster Kafui Dey whether he misses being a Justice of Ghana’s highest court.

For Justice Mensah, also known as Nana Amoa VIII, his time at the apex court was more than a prestigious appointment. It was an opportunity to learn, contribute and experience the unique camaraderie among the country’s top judges.

“The Supreme Court being the highest court of the land, there are so many things as a junior judge you need to learn.”

Although his tenure at the Supreme Court was not particularly long, Justice Mensah described the experience as a privilege.

“I didn’t spend so much time in the Supreme Court, but the time that I had, I think it was a privilege, a privilege for me to learn, and I learned a lot.”

Beyond the legal arguments and landmark decisions, Justice Mensah revealed a more personal side of life at the apex court.

He said the judges were not the distant figures the public might imagine them to be.

“The Supreme Court, you see, judges are also human beings.”

Away from the courtroom, judges could relax, exchange ideas and even crack jokes during conferences.

“So, when we get into a conference room, we crack jokes, you know, we share ideas…”

With a touch of humour, he added:

"After all, we are all human beings, you know."

His comments offer a rare glimpse into the human relationships behind the formal robes and serious courtroom proceedings.

But while the judges could share lighter moments, Justice Mensah acknowledged the enormous responsibility that came with sitting on the country’s highest court.

“Because we are confronted with issues that, you know, bother our nation, bother our people.”

The decisions before the court required careful consideration, with evidence playing a central role in determining outcomes.

Justice Mensah explained that judges had to examine the material before them thoroughly before entering conference and reaching their decisions.

“So, we took so many factors into consideration before coming to our decision.”

For him, serving on the Supreme Court demanded preparation, discipline and an appreciation of the consequences of every decision.

And years after leaving the bench, when asked whether he misses his time there, his answer was simple:

“I do. I do.”