Judges seek better conditions and stronger protection
AMJG President Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu said magistrates and judges were managing heavy caseloads despite shortages that affected both their professional duties and personal lives.
The Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) has called for improved working conditions, better resources and enhanced security for judicial officers.
AMJG President Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu said magistrates and judges were managing heavy caseloads despite shortages that affected both their professional duties and personal lives.
She was speaking at the Association’s conference on September 30, held under the theme “Balance Beyond the Bench: Harmonising Duty, Justice and Life.”
Justice Obeng Owusu said the public often saw only the final judgment delivered in court, without appreciating the pressures and difficult conditions under which judicial officers worked.
She identified the lack of official vehicles, deteriorating accommodation and delays in paying allowances as some of the challenges facing members.
She also said some courts lacked financial clearance to engage support staff, even though such assistance was provided for under the conditions of service. This, she said, placed an additional burden on judicial officers already dealing with demanding caseloads.
The AMJG is therefore seeking an urgent review of the salaries and conditions of service of judges on the lower bench.
Justice Obeng Owusu further raised concerns about attacks on judicial officers, particularly on social media.
She said court decisions were often circulated online soon after delivery, followed by attacks on the integrity of judges and, in some cases, their families.
While acknowledging that reasoned criticism of court decisions was legitimate in a democracy, she warned that personal and physical attacks could weaken public confidence in the justice system and threaten judicial independence.
The Association commended the Chief Justice for intervening promptly after the attack on the Kwame Danso District Court.
Justice Obeng Owusu said the response showed a commitment to protecting judicial officers and court staff. She called for stronger security arrangements to protect them from threats and undue attacks.
The AMJG also urged the establishment of structures to support the welfare and general wellbeing of judicial officers.
The conference included a ceremony recognising judicial officers who had retired or were approaching retirement after years of service to Ghana’s Judicial Service.
Those honoured included Supreme Court Justice Philip Bright Mensah, High Court Justice Amos Wuntah Wuni, and several Circuit and District Court judges.
Justice Obeng Owusu thanked the retirees for their service and wished them good health, peace and fulfilment in retirement.
