Judges and magistrates in Ghana face growing pressure from heavy workloads, poor working conditions and attacks on their integrity, the president of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) said on September 30.
Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu told the AMJG conference that magistrates and judges across the country are struggling with limited resources while managing heavy caseloads. She said some judicial officers lack official vehicles, live in deteriorating accommodation, and wait too long for their allowances. These challenges add strain to an already demanding job.
“Magistrates and judges discharge their duties with distinction under difficult circumstances, driven by a deep commitment to justice and service to the nation,” Justice Obeng Owusu said. She also pointed out that the public often only sees court judgments but overlooks the pressures behind the scenes.
The president raised concern about the lack of financial clearance for judges to hire supporting staff, even though their conditions of service allow for such assistance. Without this support, judicial officers carry extra burdens on top of heavy workloads.
The AMJG has called for a review of salaries and working conditions for judges on the lower bench to happen quickly. Justice Obeng Owusu also warned of rising attacks on judicial officers, especially on social media, after court decisions are published online. She said these attacks sometimes target the judges’ families and threaten public trust in the justice system.
“While acknowledging that constructive criticism of judicial decisions is legitimate in a democratic society, personal and physical attacks on judicial officers could undermine public confidence in the justice system and threaten judicial independence,” she said.
The association praised the Chief Justice for responding swiftly after an attack on the Kwame Danso District Court. Justice Obeng Owusu said the response showed a commitment to protecting judges and court staff.
AMJG wants stronger security measures to shield judicial officers from threats and harassment. It also called for wellness programs to support their mental and general health.
At the event, Justice Obeng Owusu honoured judicial officers retiring after years of service, including Supreme Court Justice Philip Bright Mensah, High Court Justice Amos Wuntah Wuni, and several circuit and district court judges. She thanked them for their work and wished them well in retirement.
The AMJG president also thanked the National Executive Committee, National Board, Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, his deputy, and other committees for their support.
The concerns raised by the AMJG reflect ongoing struggles within Ghana’s judicial service. Despite judges’ dedication, the system’s limits on resources and protection risk undermining justice delivery and judicial independence.
According to 3News.
