Chief Justice Gertraude Sackey Torkornoo has deemed it unacceptable for the Lands Commission to justify selling state bungalows and lands to private developers under the pretense of “urban redevelopment schemes.”

She said this during the 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) in Accra on Wednesday.

It was on the theme: “Improving the Security and Welfare of the Judiciary for Effective  Justice Delivery.” 

Chief Justice Torkornoo recalled being presented with allegations regarding residences occupied by a Supreme Court judge in Accra, High Court judges in Kumasi, and, more recently, judges in Tamale.

She noted that records indicated the Lands Commission, as early as 2015, claimed to have sold portions of these houses, which have been occupied by Supreme Court judges since the last century, after redeveloping them at the nation’s expense.

Chief Justice Torkornoo stated that she initiated legal action to clarify and legitimiee the issues facing the Judicial Service.

She mentioned that several meetings had been held with various sector ministries to find concrete solutions to the challenging situation.

Additionally, the Judicial Service has implemented measures to protect national assets entrusted to it and was taking proactive steps to renovate and remodel existing facilities to better meet the country’s justice needs.

The Chief Justice announced that construction work on the Wa Court Complex had resumed.

She emphasised that the Judiciary was making significant efforts to reduce caseloads in various courts and had initiated a robust campaign to archive all records.

Chief Justice Torkornoo said that concrete measures had been implemented to strategically assess how the Service’s internally generated funds could be significantly increased and safeguarded.

She stressed the need to advance the agenda for targeted digitalisation of judicial and administrative processes.

“Virtual hearings required infrastructure of stable power, internet and room protection from intrusive sounds,” she added.

Regarding the welfare of judges and magistrates, the Chief Justice stressed that any actions taken must also consider the security and well-being of court staff and users.

She noted that the police have offices within the courts and that an additional facility was being developed to enhance their operations.

The Chief Justice urged judges to focus on promptly hearing cases when scheduled.

“Judges are requested to kindly sanitize work delivery in order to serve justice expeditiously.

“This feeds into the negative narrative about jurisdiction and acts as a disincentive to investors. Lack of investment leaves the entire nation, including the public service, poorer,” she said.

Regarding the galamsey issue, the Chief Justice noted that delays in addressing those cases were due to the work of the prosecutors.

Justice Henry A. Kwofie, President of AMJG, raised concerns about non-payments of various allowances of Judges and Magistrates.

He mentioned that they have not received medical, car maintenance, and fuel allowances for periods ranging from six months to a year.

“This year the only allowance we have received is the quinquennial allowance. They have received only the first quarter fuel allowance.”   

Justice Kwofie noted that members of the association had not received any salary increment in the past four years.

Mr. Samuel Afortey Otu, President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), advocated for formal technical training for staff to address cybersecurity threats.

He also urged the government to provide risk allowances for court staff who face attacks while performing their duties.

Source: GNA