By Joyce Danso
Accra, Oct. 1, GNA – Mr Samuel Afotey Otu, President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), on Thursday appealed to the Government to improve the remuneration and conditions of service of judges, magistrates and staff of the Judicial Service to enhance their wellbeing and support efficient justice delivery.
He said better conditions of service would enable judicial officers and staff to work with dignity, meet their family responsibilities and remain motivated to discharge their duties effectively.
Mr Otu also called for a reduction in the salary disparity between judges of the lower courts and those of the superior courts, saying the salaries of judges and magistrates in the lower courts should be improved.
“The salary gap between the lower Bench and the Superior Court Judges should be closed a bit by upping the salaries of the lower Bench,” he said.
Mr Otu made the appeal at the opening of the two-day 45th Annual Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana in Accra, on the theme: “Balance Beyond the Bench: Harmonising Duty, Justice and Life.”
He said adequate remuneration was essential to enable judicial officers and staff to live with dignity and provide adequately for themselves and their families.
“For Judges, Magistrates and Judicial Service staff to enjoy a more fulfilled life outside the courtroom, we need adequate remuneration that enables us to live with dignity and provide reasonably for ourselves and families,” he said.
Mr Otu said the responsibilities of judicial officers did not end when they left the courtroom, as they had children to educate, families to support and accommodation to maintain.
He said inadequate income to meet those responsibilities could affect their quality of life and, ultimately, their wellbeing.
Mr Otu also appealed to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General to take a “serious and sympathetic look” at the remuneration and conditions of service of judicial officers and staff and develop policies to address their peculiar needs.
He further suggested the provision of escorts or orderlies for members of the lower Bench, arguing that judges and magistrates performed similar judicial functions at different levels and, therefore, required comparable protection.
“I respectfully also suggest for consideration the provision of escorts/orderlies for the lower Bench. Judges and Magistrates do the same work, although at different levels, but need similar protection,” he said.
On staffing, Mr Otu disclosed that more than 130 courts across the country were currently without magistrates, and appealed to the Government to expedite recruitment to ensure the efficient administration of justice.
He said the JUSAG was committed to working with the Judiciary and the Government to create a working environment where judicial officers and staff could serve with dignity while living fulfilling lives.
Turning to the conference theme, Mr Otu said it highlighted the need for judges and magistrates to maintain a healthy balance between their professional responsibilities and personal lives.
“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 said.
“Balance Beyond the Bench” recognised that judicial officers had lives outside the courtroom and needed rest, companionship and time with their loved ones.
On “Harmonising Duty, Justice and Life,” the JUSAG President said the demanding nature of judicial work required commitment, discipline and impartiality, but dedication should not mean that work consumed every aspect of their lives.
He said judicial officers needed adequate rest, family support and emotional wellbeing to sustain themselves in what he described as one of the most demanding professions.
Mr Otu raised concerns about emerging security risks facing judicial officers and staff in the digital age.
“My Lord, the risks associated with judicial work continue to evolve. In this era of social media, the images, names and activities of Judges, Magistrates and Judicial Service staff easily find their way onto various social media platforms,” he said.
He warned that such exposure could put judges, staff and their families at risks that were less prevalent in the past.
He reminded the public that judges were not confined to courtrooms but were members of families and communities.
“They come from families, they belong to communities, they attend churches, they raise children… They shop in the same markets, drive on our roads… In other words, they are part of us,” Mr Otu said.
He urged the public to recognise “the humanity behind the judicial office” and accord judicial officers the kindness, courtesy and respect they deserved.
Mr Otu further reminded the Government of JUSAG’s demands made at its conference in Tamale on August 25, 2026, and at a staff durbar in Tema on September 14, 2026.
He said, in compliance with Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution, the Judicial Council had submitted its report to the Presidency for approval.
“It is our humble prayer that government act now, for judicial service staff are not happy,” he said, adding: “Please let’s take note that an empty sack cannot stand upright.”
He pledged JUSAG’s commitment to working with the Judiciary and the Government to promote a working environment that enabled judicial officers and staff to serve effectively while living fulfilling lives.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Joyce Danso
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