As the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, President Samuel Afotey Otu reflects on his achievements and the progress made by his administration, citing “inclusiveness and collective effort” as key factors in their success.
President Samuel Afotey Otu reflects on his tenure as JUSAG president, highlighting the collective effort that has driven the association’s success.
With humility, he attributes the tremendous achievements chalked so far to his team and the membership.
In his own words, he shares insights of his two-year journey so far as the National President of JUSAG, when he sat with EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah in an exclusive interview aired on Morning Starr on Starr FM on Friday, August 6, 2024.
“Well, it’s difficult to assume that role but we thank God for how far he has brought us and so far so good.
“I don’t think I have personally done something because JUSAG is for a lot of people and I have able executives and we always put our heads together to do something. So, whatever we see today that we are doing, it is not by myself but it is a collective something we are doing. And most of those things, I will not say, maybe the people themselves will speak for, I mean themselves, because a lot has been done and we are still doing it”, Mr. Afotey stated in the interview with Murtala Inusah.
He continued: “I have a vice president, general secretary, treasurer, deputy general secretary, women commissioner, all regional executives, and NEC, which comprises every regional chairperson.
“So, whatever we do, we are represented in all sectors of the country. So, we are working together and everything we see, like I said, is done by a group of people. I’m just leading them but the people are there and everybody is working. Well, for now, every staff is happy and we are trying to do our best.”
Welfare Policies
One of the key initiatives of Mr. Afotey Otu’s presidency has been to address the financial challenges faced by JUSAG members.
By promoting cooperation and mutual support, the association has made significant strides in improving the welfare of its members.
“Before then, we have something we call that people run to these banks to take loans, these killer loans and other things, but we said to ourselves, no, enough is enough of that.
“So, we need to come together, I mean, in the form of cooperation. So, we put things together to do put something on the table for ourselves so that we help those who are in need and so far, so good.”
He continued: “It’s really moving on well and there are other issues with staff that when it comes, we all sit down together, put our heads together, and then see how best we resolve it.
The President of JUSAG said, “I think maybe inclusiveness is at play as we speak. So, once everybody is happy that we are working together, they are okay and things are going on well as planned.”
Mr. Afotey Otu also addresses the issue of strikes and industrial action, which has been a challenge for the association in the past.
He shares his thoughts on the current situation and the measures in place to prevent future strikes.
“This strike matter sometimes baffles my mind. Nobody is interested in going on strike and I don’t think we foresee any. What happened was maybe as a result of something that was never done or maybe something that was due for us that maybe was delayed a bit.
“I don’t think maybe with that experience, anybody, any government or anybody is going to hold us on to those things because the strike really affected a lot of things.”
He continued: “So, I don’t think anybody is preparing his mind or himself for that. So, for now, all that we are doing is we are just waiting for our things to be done at the right time. So, we don’t foresee any at the moment.”
JUSAG @50 anniversary
As JUSAG prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, Mr. Afotey Otu looks back on the journey so far and the progress made. He highlights the association’s achievements and the impact on its members.
“But once the people are there, we do communicate. Sometimes when we have to visit them, we do drive to where they are. We meet them when there are problems.
“We put our heads together and then make sure we resolve it to the best. So, we’ll be meeting each and every day when there are problems.
“And with this 50th anniversary, I think we have traveled all over the country, engaging our people, helping them to resolve issues, and so on and so forth. So, I think we are on course.”
“The 50th anniversary celebration will feature various activities, including sports and games Mr. Afotey Otu shares the details of the planned events and the significance of the celebration…
“I think this was launched, we launched it, was it last year? And after the launch, we promised several activities, sports, games, I mean, all kinds of stuff, sports, indoor and outdoor sports activities.
“And every region, in fact, we thought it wise that Cape Coast would be the place where we are going to hold a grand finale, so we cannot move everybody to Cape Coast.
“So, we thought it wise that, well, why don’t we break it at regional level? So, at every regional capital, we do organize these programs there, such as football, volleyball, I mean, all kinds of sports, and then either buffet or dinner, as well as dinner, dance, and others.”
He continued: “So, we do this with maybe some with police service, others with prison service, others with land commission, so on and so forth. And so far, so good.
“It is going on well, and I mean, those programs are going on well.”
Date for anniversary
Mr. Afotey Otu announces the date for the 50th-anniversary celebration, which coincides with the birthday of Ghana’s founding father, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
He expresses his excitement about the celebration and its significance.
“Yes, I think issues like this, because we work under management, Chief Justice or Judicial Counselor, Judiciary.
“We have written to our management and our CG, the Chief Justice, has given approval for a date, that is 21st September 2024, this is the birthday of our hero, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. So, it coincides with our program, and it’s going to be fantastic.”
“Nkrumah is known everywhere and the whole world can attest to what Kwame Nkrumah has done. And to me, I can say the father of Ghana or the father of our nation.
“I was so glad that the date coincided with his birthday. So we use it to honor people like Kwame Nkrumah as well.” Mr. Afotey Otu stated
“As Afotey Otu looks to the future, he invites external observers to share their perspectives on JUSAG’s progress, while expressing his own confidence in the association’s momentum and readiness for continued growth and improvement.
“Maybe people who are watching us outside there will be able to tell us what they see. But for me, I think we are moving forward and we are ready to do better.
“We want each and every one to be assured that we are moving. I mean, the train is moving, so they should join and we’ll get there,” Mr Afotey OTU said.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/NUKPETA YAA DORCAS