One-year anniversary of late Justice Rita Agyeman-Budu to be commemorated with Foundation Launch, Headstone unveiling next month

The first anniversary of the passing of the late Her Ladyship Justice Rita Agyeman-Budu, a former Justice of the High Court of Ghana, will be commemorated next month with a series of activities, including the launch of a foundation in her honour, the unveiling of her headstone and a thanksgiving service.

The three-day commemoration, scheduled for November 20 to 22, 2026, will be held to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Justice, who passed away in July 2025 at the age of 64.

Activities will begin on Friday, November 20, 2026, with the launch of the Justice Rita Agyeman-Budu Foundation at the Dr. Daniel McKorley Moot Courtroom at GIMPA Law School.

The event, scheduled for 2:00 p.m., will mark the beginning of the commemorative activities dedicated to preserving the memory of the late Justice.

On Saturday, November 21, 2026, a ceremony will be held at the Gethsemane Memorial Garden at 7:00 a.m. for the unveiling of her headstone.

The anniversary activities will conclude on Sunday, November 22, 2026, with a thanksgiving service at the United Church, Teshie-Nungua Estate, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

A Distinguished Career in the Judiciary

Born on September 19, 1960, in Kumasi, Justice Rita Agyeman-Budu's journey to the Bench was marked by perseverance, academic achievement and a commitment to public service.

Before entering the judiciary, she worked as a journalist and social entrepreneur, experiences that formed part of her professional journey before she pursued a career in law.

Her career in Ghana's Judicial Service spanned more than two decades, during which she rose through the judicial ranks from District Magistrate to Circuit Court Judge and subsequently to Justice of the High Court.

She was particularly recognised for her pioneering contributions to the establishment and operation of courts dealing with gender-based violence in Accra and Kumasi.

Beyond her courtroom responsibilities, Justice Agyeman-Budu contributed to judicial reforms and served on committees concerned with staff discipline and the administration of the Judicial Service.

Colleagues described her approach to judicial work as one characterised by dignity, firmness and compassion.

Contributions Beyond Ghana's Judiciary

Justice Agyeman-Budu also played an active role in advancing the interests of women within the legal profession, both nationally and internationally.

She was a prominent member of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), rising from Assistant Secretary to become President of the Association's Ghana Chapter.

Through her involvement, she contributed to discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting access to justice and protecting the rights of women and girls.

Her advocacy also extended to creative expression. In 2014, she wrote the drama A Call for Justice, which was subsequently adapted into a film and broadcast on national television.

The production formed part of her efforts to draw attention to issues relating to justice and the protection of vulnerable persons.

Justice Agyeman-Budu passed away in July 2025 and was laid to rest following funeral and burial ceremonies in November of the same year.

She left behind her husband, Kwame Agyeman-Budu, three children, grandchildren, siblings and an extended family, as well as colleagues and associates within Ghana and abroad.

A year after her passing, the planned establishment of a foundation in her name, together with the other commemorative activities, will provide another opportunity to honour her contributions to Ghana's judiciary and her advocacy for justice, particularly for women and children.