Justice Francis Gyafiiry Korbieh, a retired Court of Appeal judge, has shared his inspiring story of overcoming obstacles to achieve a five-decade career in Ghana's legal profession. Born on December 20, 1950, in Jirapa/Kuncheni, Justice Korbieh grew up in a village in the Upper West Region where access to education was limited. He had to walk 10 miles to attend primary school, a routine that taught him perseverance. This challenging beginning laid the foundation for his future success.
Justice Korbieh's educational journey took a significant turn when he gained admission to St Francis Xavier Minor Seminary, established by the late Cardinal Peter Porekuu Dery. The seminary aimed to prepare young men for the priesthood and educate those who would pursue other careers while serving God and the country. Korbieh was among the pioneer students and recalled that attending secondary school directly from Primary Six was uncommon in his part of the country at the time.
Although the seminary was established to train Catholic priests and young men for Christian life, Justice Korbieh chose not to pursue the priesthood. With a light-hearted tone, he explained that he "didn't get the calling." Instead, he went on to become a lawyer, parliamentarian, and judge. His life has remained connected to both public service and the church, with Korbieh stating that he "serves my country very well" and "also serves the church very well."
Justice Korbieh pursued further studies at St. Peter's Secondary School, the University of Ghana, and the Ghana School of Law. He was called to the Ghana Bar on September 30, 1976, marking five decades in the legal fraternity this year. His career has spanned various roles, including serving as the Member of Parliament for Jirapa from 1993 to 2001 and as a Justice of the Court of Appeal until his retirement in 2020.
Reflecting on his journey, Justice Korbieh emphasized the significance of his early experiences. He noted that the foundation of every judgment written and every law passed remains the long miles he walked in pursuit of a dream. His story serves as a testament to the power of determination and hard work in overcoming obstacles to achieve success.
Justice Korbieh's achievements have been recognized, and his story has inspired others. His interview on Joy FM's Personality Profile with Lexis Bill provided insight into his remarkable journey. The retired judge's experiences offer valuable lessons for individuals facing challenges in their own pursuit of education and career goals.
As Justice Korbieh looks back on his five-decade career, he remains proud of his accomplishments. His story highlights the importance of perseverance, hard work, and staying true to one's goals. Key points from his journey include:
Key points
- Justice Korbieh walked 10 miles to attend primary school in a village in the Upper West Region.
- He attended St Francis Xavier Minor Seminary, established to train Catholic priests and young men for Christian life.
- Korbieh has had a five-decade career in Ghana's legal profession, serving as a lawyer, parliamentarian, and judge.
