Improve conditions of service of judges, magistrates, staff – JUSAG

Mr. Samuel Afotey Otu, President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), urged the government to improve the remuneration and conditions of service for judges, magistrates, and staff of the judicial system to enhance their wellbeing and support efficient justice delivery. Better conditions of service would allow judicial officers and staff to work with dignity, meet family responsibilities, and remain motivated in their roles, Otu said.

He also called for closing the salary gap between judges in lower courts and those in superior courts, suggesting an increase in salaries for lower court judges. Otu made the appeal at the opening of the 45th Annual Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana in Accra, under the theme "Balance Beyond the Bench: Harmonising Duty, Justice and Life."

He emphasized that adequate remuneration was essential for judicial officers and staff to live with dignity and provide for themselves and their families, enabling them to enjoy a fulfilled life outside the courtroom. Otu highlighted the demanding nature of judicial work, noting that it extended beyond the courtroom, affecting the quality of life of judicial officers and their families.

He appealed to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General to address the remuneration and conditions of service of judicial officers and staff, proposing the provision of escorts or orderlies for lower court judges to ensure they receive similar protection as their higher-ranking counterparts. The JUSAG President revealed that over 130 courts across the country currently lacked magistrates and called for expedited recruitment to ensure efficient justice administration.

Otu stressed the need for a balance between professional responsibilities and personal lives, acknowledging that judicial officers have lives outside the courtroom and require rest, companionship, and time with their loved ones. He also raised concerns about emerging security risks in the digital age, warning that exposure of judicial officers and staff on social media could put them at greater risks.

Otu urged the public to recognize the humanity behind the judicial office and accord them the kindness, courtesy, and respect they deserve.