Judges, Magistrates, call for improved conditions of service and adequate security.

Published October 6, 2024

The 2024 Annual General conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges, Ghana (AMJG) opened on 2^nd October 2024 under the theme, “Improving the Security and Welfare of the Judiciary for Effective Justice Delivery”.

In attendance was the Attorney General – Godfred Yeboah Dame, the outgoing President of the Ghana Bar Association – Yaw Acheampong Boafo, The President of Association of Magistrate and Judges, Justice Henry Anthony Kwofie. Other dignitaries in attendance included Her Ladyship Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo (who delivered the keynote address) and some Retired Justices of the Superior courts.

Speaking on the theme of conference, the Chief Justice expressed her gratitude to the two immediate former Chief Justices, Sophia Akuffo and Anin Yeboah and others who helped in diverse ways to ensure the completion of the 100 bungalows and court houses recently provided to the judiciary.

The Chief Justice further intimated that, construction of the Cape-Coast and Wa Court High Court complexes are underway as designs have been submitted and contract awarded for completion respectively.

Finally on the theme of the conference, the Chief Justice assured all that, comprehensive security measures will be put in place, as there would be budgetary support for advance locks, cameras and other devices to ensure the safety of the Judges. Also, on the issue of allowances including allowances of Jurors, the Chief Justice promised that the subject is on the agenda of the Judicial Council, thus same would be resolved with dispatch.

On his part, His Lordship, Justice Henry A. Kwofie (President of the Association of Judges and Magistrates), emphasised that the issues raised by the Association in last year’s conference remain unresolved, hence the similarities between the theme of this year’s conference and that of the preceding year; emphasising that fuel and vehicle maintenance allowances remain very critical issues for the judiciary yet constantly ignored or in arrears. Security of judges, he maintained, is also a major concern as the court rooms are accessible to the public without any scrutiny, drawing comparisons with other jurisdictions on the African continent where security of judges and related matters are handled better by their governments.

When he had his turn, the Hon. Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, congratulated the Judiciary for its key role in the country towards development. He urged the police service to swiftly conclude investigations regarding the illegal protestors and for prosecutors to consider the issue of bail at the next court date. He however requested the Judiciary to expedite trials and prosecution of accused persons in illegal mining cases.

Formed some decades ago, the Association of Magistrates and Judges ( AMJG) is the recognized association for magistrates and Judges in Ghana, drawing membership from across the various levels of the Judiciary. Among others the Association exists to promote the efficient and cost-effective administration of justice in Ghana; to promote the independence of the Judiciary and Rule and Law and also  to promote and protect the interests, welfare, dignity, integrity and honour of judges and magistrates.

Kwasi Twum Agyapong esq contributed to this article