FREDERICK APALOO

Frederick Kwasi Apaloo was a distinguished Ghanaian judge whose illustrious career spanned several decades, culminating in his service as Chief Justice in both Ghana and Kenya. Born on January 9, 1921, in Woe, a village near Keta in the Volta Region of Ghana (then the Gold Coast), Apaloo faced adversity early in life, losing his father at the age of seven. An uncle who was a Kadjebi merchant provided him with support and care throughout his education.

Apaloo attended Accra Academy, where he completed his secondary education in 1942, and subsequently pursued a law degree at the University College, Hull. In 1950, he was called to the English bar at Middle Temple. He returned to Ghana to practice law and quickly made a name for himself by defending those involved in the Anloga riots, challenging the British colonial administration's imposition of taxes.

Following Ghana's independence, Apaloo's judicial career flourished. He was appointed a High Court Judge in 1960 and presided over high-profile treason trials in 1964. His fair and principled approach earned him respect, even when presiding over the cases of close associates of President Kwame Nkrumah.

In 1977, Apaloo was appointed Ghana's Chief Justice during a turbulent period under the military regime of the Supreme Military Council. He maintained his independence and integrity despite attempts by different regimes to remove him from his position. He served through the Third Republic of Ghana and continued his tenure after the overthrow of the Limann government on December 31, 1981. He retired in 1986 at the age of 65.

In 1993, Apaloo's expertise was recognized beyond Ghana's borders when he was appointed Chief Justice of Kenya, where he served until 1995. His tenure in Kenya was marked by his opposition to the death penalty and his principled leadership.

Apaloo also served on the World Bank Administrative Tribunal from 1990 to 1995. He received numerous honors for his contributions, including the Companion of the Order of the Volta in Ghana (1979) and the Elder of the Golden Heart in Kenya (1993). He was elected a fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1986.

In his personal life, Apaloo married Georgina Kumasenu in 1953, and they had two sons and three daughters. His hobbies included dancing, boating, golf, and tennis.

Frederick Kwasi Apaloo passed away on April 2, 2000, leaving behind a legacy of judicial excellence and dedication to upholding the rule of law in Ghana and Kenya. His life serves as an inspiration for aspiring jurists and advocates for justice.

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Kwasi_Apaloo