Ghana’s judiciary gathers on Saturday to honor High Court Judge Justice Rita Agyeman-Budu, whose funeral service takes place at United Church in Teshie Nungua Estate. The memorial events started on 19 November.
Justice Agyeman-Budu passed away in July 2025 at age 64. Born in Kumasi on 19 September 1960, she carved a distinctive path through journalism and social entrepreneurship before entering the judicial service.
Her judicial career stretched across more than two decades, beginning as a District Magistrate before advancing through Circuit Court Judge to her final position on the High Court bench. Throughout her tenure, she became particularly known for handling gender based violence cases, establishing specialized courts in both Accra and Kumasi that addressed violence against women and girls.
Beyond her courtroom work, Justice Agyeman-Budu served on multiple judicial reform committees and disciplinary panels, contributing to institutional development within Ghana’s legal system. Her influence extended internationally through the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), where she progressed from Assistant Secretary to President of the Ghana Chapter, helping shape regional approaches to justice for women across the continent.
In 2014, she wrote “A Call for Justice,” a drama examining legal themes that later reached broader audiences through its television adaptation on Ghana Television. The production formed part of the Global Leadership of Women project and was also screened in The Hague.
Colleagues and fellow judges consistently describe Justice Agyeman-Budu as someone who balanced firm principles with compassionate application of the law. Her work on gender violence cases and judicial reform initiatives left a tangible impact on efforts to strengthen access to justice, particularly for vulnerable populations.
She leaves behind her husband Kwame Agyeman-Budu, three children, grandchildren, and extended family members. The judicial community, church members, and international associates will gather Saturday to celebrate her life and service to Ghana’s legal system.