Five Ghanaian jurists have led foreign judiciaries — and one is still serving

Ghana’s legal fraternity has produced at least five citizens who rose to become Chief Justice in other countries — a rare distinction that underscores the bench’s reputation across the Commonwealth. Today, one of them, Justice Mabel Maame Agyemang, continues to serve as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands (appointed April 1, 2020; contract extended to 2026). 

The list at a glance

• Fred Kwasi Apaloo — Chief Justice of Kenya (1993–95), after serving as CJ of Ghana (1977–86). Kenya’s judiciary lists him among its post-colonial CJs.  
• Isaac Kobina Abban — Chief Justice of Seychelles (1990–93) before becoming Ghana’s CJ (1995–2001). Seychelles’ Supreme Court roll confirms his tenure.  
• Felix Michael Lartey — Chief Justice of The Gambia (1999–2001). Sources in The Gambia and Ghana identify him as a Ghanaian expatriate judge who headed the Gambian judiciary.   
• Stephen Alan Brobbey — Chief Justice of The Gambia (2004–06), appointed while a Justice of Ghana’s Supreme Court.  
• Mabel Maame Agyemang — First female Chief Justice of The Gambia (Aug 2013–Feb 2014) and current Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands (since April 2020). The TCI Judiciary and multiple profiles note her incumbency.  

Why this matters

Commonwealth small states and some African jurisdictions routinely appoint seasoned foreign judges to strengthen judicial capacity and independence — a practice in which Ghanaian jurists have been prominent. 

Bottom line: At least five Ghanaian citizens have served as Chief Justice outside Ghana — Apaloo (Kenya), Abban (Seychelles), Lartey (Gambia), Brobbey (Gambia), and Agyemang (Gambia; now TCI) — with Justice Mabel Agyemang still in office today. 

Editor’s note: This tally focuses on national “Chief Justice/Chief Judge” roles, not presidents of regional courts (e.g., ECOWAS Court) or international tribunals.