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The President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG), Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu has called for improved working conditions, adequate resources and stronger protection for judicial officers to enable them to effectively discharge their duties.
According to the AMJG President, achieving a healthy balance between judicial responsibilities and personal life would be difficult without addressing the conditions under which magistrates and judges work.
Speaking at the AMJG conference themed “Balance Beyond the Bench: Harmonising Duty, Justice and Life,” Justice Obeng Owusu said judicial officers across the country continue to work under significant resource constraints despite carrying heavy caseloads.
She noted that while the public often sees only the final judgment delivered by a court, little attention is paid to the pressures and challenges judges and magistrates face in performing their duties.
“Magistrates and judges discharge their duties with distinction under difficult circumstances, driven by a deep commitment to justice and service to the nation,” she said on September 30.
The AMJG President cited the lack of official vehicles for some judicial officers, deteriorating accommodation facilities and delays in the payment of allowances as some of the challenges confronting members.
The President also raised concerns about the absence of financial clearance to enable magistrates and judges to engage supporting staff, despite such assistance being provided for under their conditions of service.
The situation, the President maintained, had placed additional burdens on judicial officers already dealing with heavy caseloads.
The Association therefore appealed for the review of the salaries and conditions of service of judges on the lower bench to be expedited.
The AMJG President also expressed concern about the increasing attacks on judicial officers, particularly on social media.
According to the President, decisions delivered by courts are often quickly circulated online, followed by attacks on the integrity of judges and, in some cases, their families.
While acknowledging that constructive criticism of judicial decisions is legitimate in a democratic society, the President said personal and physical attacks on judicial officers could undermine public confidence in the justice system and threaten judicial independence.
The Association commended the Chief Justice for his prompt intervention following the attack on the Kwame Danso District Court.
Justice Obeng Owusu said the response demonstrated a commitment to protecting judicial officers and court staff.
The AMJG is therefore calling for improved security measures to protect magistrates and judges from threats and undue attacks.
The Association also wants structures for judicial wellness to be established to support the mental and general wellbeing of judicial officers.
12 judicial officers retire
The President also recognised judicial officers who have retired or are due to retire after years of service to the Judicial Service and Ghana.
The retirees listed included Supreme Court Justice Philip Bright Mensah, High Court Justice Amos Wuntah Wuni, and several Circuit and District Court judges.
The President expressed gratitude to the retirees for their dedicated service and wished them peace, good health and fulfilment in retirement.
The speech ended with an appreciation to the National Executive Committee, National Board, Judicial Secretary Mr Musah Ahmed, his deputy and various committees for their contributions to the work of the Association.
Source: TV3
