The Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) has called for urgent improvements in the working conditions, logistical support and security of judicial officers to enable them to effectively administer justice.
The Association’s President, Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu, said magistrates and judges were carrying heavy caseloads despite facing shortages in essential resources and support services.
She said the situation was putting additional pressure on judicial officers and making it increasingly difficult for them to maintain a healthy balance between their professional responsibilities and personal lives.
Justice Obeng Owusu made the call at the AMJG conference held on September 30 under the theme, “Balance Beyond the Bench: Harmonising Duty, Justice and Life.”
She said the public often focused on judgments delivered by the courts without fully appreciating the difficult circumstances under which judicial officers worked.
Among the challenges she identified were the lack of official vehicles for some judicial officers, deteriorating accommodation facilities and delays in the payment of allowances.
She also raised concern over the absence of financial clearance to recruit supporting staff for magistrates and judges, despite such assistance being provided for under their conditions of service.
According to her, inadequate support staff was adding to the workload of judicial officers already dealing with demanding caseloads.
The AMJG President therefore called for an expedited review of the salaries and conditions of service of judges on the lower bench.
Security concerns
Justice Obeng Owusu also drew attention to attacks against judicial officers, particularly through social media, warning that such incidents could undermine confidence in the justice system.
She acknowledged that judicial decisions could be subjected to legitimate public scrutiny and criticism, but said attacks directed at the integrity, persons and families of judges went beyond constructive criticism.
She said stronger security arrangements were needed to protect judicial officers from threats and other forms of intimidation.
The Association commended the Chief Justice for the prompt response following the attack on the Kwame Danso District Court, describing the intervention as evidence of the importance of protecting judicial officers and court staff.
Justice Obeng Owusu further called for structures to support the mental, physical and general wellbeing of members of the Judiciary.
Association honours retirees
The conference also honoured judicial officers who had retired or were due to retire after years of service to the Judicial Service and the country.
Among those recognised were Supreme Court Justice Philip Bright Mensah, High Court Justice Amos Wuntah Wuni, as well as several Circuit and District Court judges.
Justice Obeng Owusu expressed appreciation to the retirees for their years of service and wished them peace, good health and fulfilment in retirement.
