Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has emphasized the need for a healthier balance between the professional responsibilities and personal lives of judges and magistrates. He made this call at the 45th Annual Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) in Accra on September 30, 2026. The conference was held under the theme: “Balance Beyond the Bench: Harmonising Duty, Justice and Life.” The Chief Justice noted that judicial work carries enormous responsibility as decisions of judges can affect people’s liberty, property, businesses, families, and futures.
According to the Chief Justice, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for judicial officers. He stated that a judicial officer who is constantly exhausted or overwhelmed may struggle to give their best judgment. The Chief Justice also emphasized that humanity should not be regarded as a weakness within the Judiciary. He encouraged judicial officers to combine professional discipline with meaningful family and social relationships without undermining judicial responsibility.
The Chief Justice stressed that judges must remain diligent and responsive to litigants who depend on the courts for timely justice. He linked the welfare of judicial officers to judicial independence, institutional integrity, and the quality of justice. The Chief Justice urged judges to remain conscious of the citizens they serve and emphasized that judicial independence does not mean freedom from accountability.
The President of the AMJG, Her Ladyship Olivia Obeng, also called for improved working conditions, resources, and welfare support for judges and magistrates. She cited concerns including inadequate official vehicles, deteriorating judges’ bungalows, delayed allowances, and the absence of financial clearance to recruit supporting staff. The Association also called for an expedited review of the salaries and conditions of service of lower-Bench judges.
The AMJG President expressed concern about attacks, threats, and vilification of judicial officers on social media. While acknowledging that criticism of judicial decisions is legitimate, she stated that personal attacks and threats could undermine judicial independence and public confidence in the justice system. The Association commended the Chief Justice for his prompt intervention following the attack on the Kwame Danso District Court.
The National President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), Samuel Afotey Otu, called for improved remuneration, working conditions, and security for judicial officers and Judicial Service staff. He emphasized that adequate remuneration is necessary to enable judges, magistrates, and staff to support their families and live with dignity. JUSAG specifically appealed for the salary gap between the lower Bench and Superior Court judges to be reduced.
The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey, emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration between the Bench and the Bar. She stated that the welfare of judges and the human capital required to deliver justice must remain a priority. The GBA President called for greater communication between the Bench and Bar, saying stronger dialogue would benefit the justice system and contribute to broader national discussions on justice and governance.
Key points
- The Chief Justice emphasized the need for judges to balance their work and personal life to maintain their humanity and provide the best judgment.
- The AMJG and JUSAG called for improved working conditions, resources, and welfare support for judges and magistrates.
- The GBA President emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration between the Bench and the Bar to address challenges facing the justice system.
