Accra: JUSAG demands better working conditions for judicial officers

Samuel Afotey Otu, President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), urged the government to enhance remuneration and working conditions for Ghanaian judges, magistrates, and judicial staff members. At the opening of the 45th Annual General Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) in Accra, Otu emphasized the importance of a healthy work-life balance for judicial officers.

He proposed providing escorts or orderlies for lower bench members, suggesting that the theme of the conference, "Balance Beyond the Bench: Harmonising Duty, Justice and Life," was timely and relevant. "Being a good Judge or Magistrate is not only about performing one's duties in the court. It is also about finding time to take care of oneself, one’s family, relationships and wellbeing, while continuing to uphold justice," he explained.

Otu highlighted that judicial work requires commitment, discipline, and impartiality, but dedication should not consume every aspect of an officer's life. He stressed the need for rest, family support, and emotional wellbeing to sustain judicial officers in their demanding profession. The JUSAG president called for adequate remuneration to allow judges, magistrates, and staff to live with dignity and support their families.

He expressed concerns about the risks associated with the digital age, particularly the exposure of judges, staff, and their families on social media platforms. Otu appealed to the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, and the government, to address the remuneration gap between lower and superior court judges and consider providing police protection for lower bench judges.

He also advocated for the recruitment of more magistrates to ensure efficient justice administration, noting that over 130 courts across the country currently lack sufficient staff. Otu reminded the public of the human aspect of judicial officers, urging them to treat them with kindness, courtesy, and respect. He emphasized that the demands for better conditions were made at previous conferences in Tamale and Tema, and he expressed hope that the government would act promptly to address the concerns of judicial officers and staff.