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 conditions of service for the judiciary and its staff.
Speaking at the 44th Annual Meeting of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) in Accra, Mr. Otu lamented that despite numerous conferences and solidarity messages, valuable concerns raised have often failed to translate into tangible action.
“We clap, we nod in agreement, but too often, the valuable points raised are not implemented,” he said.
He recalled unresolved issues from previous years, including delays in salary payments, staff 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 noted.
Mr. Otu’s remarks underscore the association’s growing frustration over the lack of meaningful progress on these matters. His comments came against the backdrop of the conference’s theme: “Leveraging Technology to Enhance Justice Delivery.”
Call for Enhanced Cybersecurity
The JUSAG president emphasized the need for robust cybersecurity measures as the judiciary increasingly adopts technology in justice delivery.
“While we advocate for incorporating technology in justice delivery, we must equally be wary about cyber security,” Mr. Otu warned.
He cited recent cyberattacks on government systems in the UK and US as a reminder that Ghana’s judiciary is not exempt. He stressed that investment in technology must go hand-in-hand with investment in the staff who operate the systems.
“A state-of-the-art case management system is only as good as the Registrar who feeds it with accurate and timely information,” he stated.
Crucial Role of Registrars and Staff
Mr. Otu also highlighted the indispensable role of registrars and support staff, describing them as custodians of records, managers of dockets, administrators of court proceedings, sheriffs for executing judgments and orders, and the first point of contact for litigants, lawyers, and the public.
He reaffirmed JUSAG’s commitment to partnering with the Judicial Service administration and judiciary leadership to advance justice delivery through technology.
“We are prepared to mobilize our members to embrace digital tools and processes that enhance justice delivery,” he said.
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