Over 130 courts are without magistrates – JUSAG

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has reported that over 130 courts across the country are currently without magistrates, a situation demanding urgent recruitment to ensure efficient administration of justice. JUSAG President Samuel Afotey Otu has appealed to the government to expedite the recruitment process to fill these vacancies.

The president made the appeal at the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) in Accra, under the theme "Balance Beyond the Bench: Harmonising Duty, Justice and Life."

Otu also called on the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to review the remuneration and conditions of service for judges and magistrates, aiming to reduce the salary gap between lower court judges and those in superior courts. He suggested increasing salaries for lower court judges to ensure a more equitable pay structure. Furthermore, Otu proposed providing police escorts or orderlies for lower court judges, arguing that they require similar protection as their counterparts in higher courts.

The JUSAG leader urged the judiciary and government to create an environment where judicial officers and staff could serve with dignity while maintaining fulfilling lives. He emphasized that excellence in work should be matched by well-being, and the judiciary should continue to build a service where both are prioritized. Otu reminded the government of JUSAG's lawful demands under Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution and stressed that staff dissatisfaction cannot be ignored.

Addressing the issue of attacks on judges and judicial officers on social media, Otu stated that judicial officers would continue to perform their duties despite criticism, requesting the public to accord them the respect and courtesy they deserve. He highlighted that the risks associated with judicial work have evolved, particularly in the age of social media, where exposure to risks was higher compared to the past.

Dr. Dominic Ayine, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, delivered a speech on behalf of the Attorney-General, addressing the unique restraints placed on judicial office to maintain independence and impartiality, as required by the constitution. Ayine emphasized that while judicial independence is not isolation, it necessitates respect for constitutional boundaries and collaboration among the executive, the bar, and the judiciary to enhance the administration of justice.