The durbar was attended by the Chief Justice; His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, some Justices of the Superior Courts, the Judicial Secretary; Mr. Musah Ahmed, his Deputy; Justice Dr. Cyracus Bapuuroh, J., Court Manager/Deputy Judicial Secretary (Technology); Mrs. Patricia Naa Afarley Dadson, some members of the Lower Bench, Directors and Staff of the Service.
The Head of Compensation Unit, Kenneth Ampaw Esq, standing in for the Human Resource Director, gave highlights of the Code of Ethics for Employees of the Judicial Service, while the Director of Court Services, Charles Kwesi Biadoo, addressed the topic: the Duties and Responsibilities of Registrars.
The open forum enabled staff to put across their concerns to Management, which were addressed. Most of the concerns related to career progression, further education, in-service training, staffing and working conditions.
In their respective remarks, the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service of Ghana (SSAJUG) called for stronger staff-management engagement, capacity building and improved working conditions, while the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) raised concerns about remuneration, medical claims, overtime allowances and other staff welfare matters.
Mrs. Marilyn Suttah, President, Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service of Ghana (SSAJUG)
Mr. Samuel Afotey Otu, President, Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG)
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Justice said leadership, innovation and technology were not the responsibility of management alone but required the commitment of every member of the Judicial Service. He urged staff to embrace change, improve existing processes and make effective use of technology to enhance efficiency and access to justice.
Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie
He also stressed the need to avoid unnecessary delays in the determination of cases, noting that delays have real consequences for the people who depend on the courts for justice.
The Chief Justice announced that the Judicial Council has approved the development of a comprehensive Scheme of Service to provide greater clarity and structure in areas including career progression, job descriptions, grades and salary ranges, training, promotion, and transfers.
He further disclosed that the Judicial Service had secured 30 per cent retention of its Internally Generated Funds (IGF), with full retention expected from January, which is expected to strengthen the Service’s capacity to meet obligations including medical and other staff allowances.
Reflecting briefly on his tenure, His Lordship Justice Baffoe-Bonnie noted that the occasion was his last Staff Durbar as Chief Justice, as his tenure ends in December, 2026. He was, however, emphatic that the gathering should not be regarded as a farewell.
Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie underscored the enduring nature of the institution, reminding staff that no individual owns the Judicial Service. He urged them to continue building on progress made, address existing shortcomings and support future leadership.
The Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed Esq., acknowledged the demanding workload in the Greater Accra Region and commended staff for their contribution to justice delivery. Mr. Ahmed entreated them to serve with professionalism, courtesy, integrity and responsibility.
Mr Musah Ahmed, Judicial Secretary, giving his remarks
The durbar ended with the presentation of end-of-service awards to retirees of the Judicial Service, in recognition of their dedicated service to the institution and the administration of justice.
Seventeen (17) of the retirees were present to receive their awards and other benefits..
The Chief Justice thanked the retirees for their years of dedicated service, noting, that their contributions had helped build and sustain the institution.
