By: Barbara Kumah
The President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), Samuel Afotey Otu, has expressed disappointment over the slow pace of progress in improving the conditions of service for the judiciary and the staff of the Judicial Service
Speaking at the 44th Annual Meeting of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) in Accra, Mr. Otu, said that despite numerous conferences and solidarity messages, valuable points raised often fail to translate into tangible actions.
“We clap, we nod in agreement, but too often, the valuable points raised are not implemented,” Mr. Otu said, highlighting the association’s concerns.
He noted specific issues raised in previous years, including delays in salary payments, human security, and the retention of the Judicial Service’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF).
“In 2022, we spoke of the delay in salaries; in 2023, we touched on human security; and finally, in 2024, we spoke of the need to retain 70% of our IGF instead of the 30% which is currently being retained,” he recalled.
The President of JUSAG’s remark echoed the Association’s frustration over the lack of meaningful progress on these issues.
Samuel Afotey Otu, made his comments at the just concluded annual general meeting of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana, held from Wednesday October 1 to Thursday October 2, under the theme, “Leveraging technology to enhance justice delivery.”
Mr. Otu’s concerns included the need for the judiciary to address pressing staff welfare issues alongside efforts to modernize the justice system.
Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures
The President of JUSAG, emphasised the need for robust cybersecurity measures as the judiciary increasingly adopts technology to enhance justice delivery.
Mr. Otu highlighted the importance of protecting the judiciary’s digital infrastructure from cyber threats.
“While we advocate for incorporating technology in justice delivery, we must equally be wary about cyber security,” Mr. Otu warned.
He cited examples of recent cyber attacks on government systems in the UK and US, emphasizing that Ghana’s judiciary is not exempted from these threats.
Mr. Otu, said investing in technology must go hand-in-hand with investing in the people who operate it.
“A state-of-the-art case management system is only as good as the Registrar who feeds it with accurate and timely information,” he said.
Crucial role of Registrars
The JUSAG president also acknowledged the crucial role of registrars and support staff in the judiciary, describing them as “custodians of case records, managers of dockets, administrators of court proceedings, sheriffs for execution of judgments and orders, and the first point of contact for litigants, lawyers, and the general public.”
Mr. Otu reaffirmed JUSAG’s commitment to partnering with the Judicial Service administration and judiciary leadership to enhance justice delivery through technology.
“We are prepared to mobilize our members to embrace digital tools and processes that enhance justice delivery,” he said.
