Judiciary to employ more magistrates to fill vacancies

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie announced on Wednesday that the Judiciary is awaiting approval to hire 127 magistrates to address vacancies in the judicial hierarchy. The Chief Justice highlighted this issue during the opening of the 45th Annual Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) in Accra. The two-day conference focused on the theme "Balance Beyond the Bench – Harmonising Duty, Justice and Life."

The Chief Justice responded to an appeal from Samuel Afotey Otu, President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana, who called for the filling of vacancies at lower courts. Otu noted that some magistrates were overburdened by having to shuttle between multiple courts. Emphasizing the theme of the conference, the Chief Justice stated that it was fitting as it challenged judges to consider matters beyond the courtroom while fulfilling their duties.

The Chief Justice reflected on his own recent criticism for attending public events instead of staying in his office. He noted that while maintaining humanity is crucial, it should not be sacrificed due to judicial office. He emphasized that behind every judgment and robe lies a person with personal responsibilities, hopes, and desires for a simple evening. The Chief Justice urged judges to balance their professional responsibilities with personal lives, ensuring neither suffered due to the other.

He stressed the importance of creating a judicial culture where excellence is expected, but humanity is not seen as weakness. The Chief Justice reminded the judiciary of its public trust, which comes with discipline but should not lead to indifference to duty. He challenged the AMJG to support judges and magistrates not just through welfare but by demanding good performance and institutional discipline. He concluded by asserting that a credible judiciary rests on a balance of accountability and independence.