The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has urged the Chief Justice and the Judicial Council to expedite the review of their salary and allowance proposals.
JUSAG is advocating for these adjustments to be included in the November 2024 budget, aiming for implementation by January 2025.
The association stressed the importance of avoiding a repeat of the indefinite strike from the 2022/2023 legal year due to unsatisfactory service conditions.
Samuel Afotey Otu, JUSAG’s National President, highlighted during the 2024 Annual Judicial Service Outreach and Staff Durbar in Kumasi the need for timely action on their proposal.
“My Lady, this year, JUSAG has tabled a proposal for review of salaries and related allowances to be implemented in January 2025.
“I am aware of the speed with which the Judicial Council, which you chair, referred the matter to a committee for consideration,” Mr Otu stated.
“This is a demonstration of your determination not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
“My Lady, having toured the country, we could see visibly frustrated faces of staff who are anxious and despondent about the implication of the December general elections on the salaries review,” he pointed out.
“The budget will be read in November 2024.
“Best fiscal practice requires that approvals for reviews of salaries are completed on time, to be incorporated into the budget for consideration by Parliament in November 2024 for implementation in January 2025,” he stated.
Otu acknowledged the prompt action by the Judicial Council, which has already referred the proposal to a committee.
He emphasized the importance of integrating these changes into the upcoming budget to ensure smooth implementation without delays that could lead to industrial actions, particularly given the election year’s sensitivities.
The President of JUSAG also praised Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo and the council for their efforts in finalizing the Judicial Service Regulation (CI), which will guide their operations.
“You have made it your priority, and we trust that the process will be completed and your name will be written in gold ink on the hearts of the employees of the Judicial Service of Ghana and JUSAG as a whole,” Mr Otu stated.
Otu expressed confidence that this will positively impact JUSAG members and secure their respect.
Additionally, Otu called for a revision of the staff durbar’s structure.
He suggested that the current format, where staff first discuss issues among themselves before hearing from the Chief Justice, might not effectively serve its purpose.
He urged for a restructuring to facilitate more direct and constructive communication between staff and the Chief Justice.
Addressing the theme of the 2024 durbar, “Building the Pillars of Justice Delivery through Leadership, Innovation and Technology,” Otu commended the Chief Justice’s vision.
He noted that embracing technology is crucial for modernizing justice delivery, citing the progress of the e-justice project and the need for all staff to develop digital skills.
Otu also called for the reinstatement of staff who have been wrongfully dismissed, stressing the psychological impact of delayed appeals.
He urged the Chief Justice and the Judicial Council to address these pending cases promptly to avoid further distress among staff.
Overall, Otu’s remarks highlighted the critical need for timely action on salary reviews, effective communication channels, and embracing technological advancements to improve the judiciary’s efficiency and staff well-being.