The President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana, Samuel Afotey Otu, has called on the government to improve the working conditions of judges, magistrates, and staff of the Judicial Service. Speaking at the 45th Annual General Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana in Accra, Mr. Afotey Otu emphasized the need for better remuneration and conditions of service. He suggested that the government consider providing escorts or orderlies for members of the lower bench.
The conference, themed "Balance Beyond the Bench: Harmonising Duty, Justice and Life," aims to address the need for judges and magistrates to balance their professional responsibilities with personal lives. Mr. Afotey Otu noted that being a good judge or magistrate is not only about performing duties in court but also about taking care of oneself, family, relationships, and wellbeing. He stressed that judges need rest, family support, and emotional wellbeing to sustain themselves in their demanding profession.
According to Mr. Afotey Otu, discussions around better life beyond the courtroom must include remuneration. He stated that adequate remuneration would enable judges, magistrates, and judicial staff to live with dignity and provide reasonably for themselves and their families. He also noted that responsibilities do not end when a judge rises from the bench, as there are families to support and accommodation to maintain.
The JUSAG President raised concerns about emerging risks facing judicial officers in the digital age. He cautioned that the exposure of judges, staff, and their families on social media platforms puts them at risks that were less prevalent in the past. Mr. Afotey Otu appealed to the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, and the government, to take a serious and sympathetic look at the remuneration and conditions of service of judicial officers.
Mr. Afotey Otu called for the salary gap between the lower bench and Superior Court to be narrowed. He appealed for the salaries of the lower bench to be increased to bridge the gap. Additionally, he requested the government to create unique policies to address the needs of judicial officers.
The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana is seeking to address the challenges faced by judicial officers. Mr. Afotey Otu emphasized that the association's demands are aimed at improving the overall wellbeing of judges, magistrates, and staff. He noted that a fulfilled life outside the courtroom is essential for judicial officers to perform their duties effectively.
The government has been urged to take a serious look at the remuneration and conditions of service of judicial officers. The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana hopes that the government will consider their demands and take steps to improve the working conditions of judges, magistrates, and staff.
Key points
- Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana calls for improved remuneration and conditions of service for judges, magistrates, and staff.
- Association seeks to address challenges faced by judicial officers in the digital age.
- Government urged to narrow salary gap between lower bench and Superior Court judges.
