Close salary gap between lower bench and superior court judges – JUSAG tells gov’t

The President of Ghana's Judicial Service Staff Association (JUSAG), Samuel Afotey Otu, has urged the government to enhance the salaries and working conditions of judges, magistrates, and judicial staff. During the opening of the association's 45th Annual Conference in Accra, Mr. Otu highlighted the need to narrow the salary gap between lower bench and superior court judges by increasing the earnings of those on the lower tier.

He stressed that judges and magistrates must maintain a balance between their professional duties and personal lives, stating that their work transcends the courtroom. Mr. Otu emphasized that a fulfilling life outside the courtroom requires adequate remuneration that allows judges to support their families and maintain a dignified standard of living.

He also cautioned about the increasing risks in the digital age, as the activities of judges and their families become vulnerable on social media platforms. To address these concerns, Mr. Otu called on the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General to consider special policies and increased police protection for lower bench judges.

Additionally, he urged the government to expedite the recruitment of magistrates to ensure the efficient administration of justice in the country's 130 plus courts currently lacking such personnel. Mr. Otu reminded Ghanaians of the humanity behind the judicial office and requested them to treat judicial officers with kindness, courtesy, and respect.