The National President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), Mr. Samuel Afotey Otu, has urged members to draw inspiration from the selfless sacrifices of Jesus Christ.
As the festive season and new year unfold, he encouraged staff to embody humility, dedication, and selflessness in serving Ghana and humanity.
In his new year message, Mr. Afotey Otu also updated members on his efforts to secure improved working conditions.
“Fellow hardworking staff, this year was also a year for review of our salaries. As such, JUSAG submitted a proposal to the Judicial Council to review our salaries and related allowances. The Council completed its work and submitted same to the President for his approval in line with Article 149 of the Constitution.
“The recent directive by the President to Parliament to consider the budget of the Audit Service, Parliamentary Service, and the Judicial Service is a positive move as the budget goes with compensations (including salaries and allowances).
“Despite the positive development, We noted with concern the delay in the approval process. As such, the National Executive Council (NEC) of JUSAG petitioned Her Ladyship, The Honourable Chief Justice, to expedite the approval process.
“As of yesterday, the official feedback on the matter is that the recommendation of the Judicial Council is receiving the highest attention of His Excellency, the President of Ghana. The reports have been referred to the Minister of Finance for an update on the status of the request.
“We are keenly monitoring the progress. We have also mapped out a number of industrial action tools that could be activated should the Government unduly delay the approval and implementation. Whilst JUSAG continues the push for timely approval, we shall keep you updated on the progress.
“Our commitment to the speedy approval of the new salary structure is resolute. Your patience, prayer, and unwavering support are crucial for JUSAG to navigate these hurdles in order to bring home a condition of service that is lasting and fulfilling,” Mr Otu who doubles as the Chairman of the National Executive Council of JUSAG stated in a new year message on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Below is JUSAG NEW YEAR MESSAGE to Staff
Dear Staff of the Judicial Service!
On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC), I bring you warm greetings of this festive season. The yuletide reminds us of the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice inspires us to serve Mother Ghana and humanity with humility, dedication, and selflessness.
50th Anniversary Celebration
Beloved colleagues, the year 2024 came with its unique moments offulfilments and challenges. We ushered in the year with the launch of the 50th Anniversary of JUSAG, which was held under the theme “50 years of championing Judicial excellence and upholding staff welfare.”
In the spirit of getting everyone involved, we visited all regions to participate in the regional 50th anniversary programmes, which were full of merry, sporting activities, health screening, dinner, and symposia.
We climaxed our golden jubilee in Cape Coast with a grand symposium on the judiciary and peaceful elections. As the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” In view of this, we thrilled colleagues with lots of fun with sports, health walks, inter-regional judicial quiz competition, and tourism to Cape Coast Castle and Kakum National Park.
Update on Salary
Fellow hardworking staff, this year was also a year for review of our salaries. As such, JUSAG submitted a proposal to the Judicial Council to review our salaries and related allowances.The Council completed its work and submitted same to the President for his approval in line with Article 149 of the Constitution.
The recent directive by the President to Parliament to consider the budget of the Audit Service, Parliamentary Service, and the Judicial Service is a positive move as the budget goes with compensations (including salaries and allowances).
Despite the positive development, We noted with concern the delay in the approval process. As such, the National Executive Council (NEC) of JUSAG petitioned Her Ladyship, The Honourable Chief Justice, to expedite the approval process.
As of yesterday, the official feedback on the matter is that the recommendation of the Judicial Council is receiving the highest attention of His Excellency, the President of Ghana. The reports have been referred to the Minister of Finance for an update on the status of the request.
We are keenly monitoring the progress. We have also mapped out a number of industrial action tools that could be activated should the Government unduly delay the approval and implementation. Whilst JUSAG continues the push for timely approval, we shall keep you updated on the progress.
Our commitment to the speedy approval of the new salary structure is resolute. Your patience, prayer, and unwavering support are crucial for JUSAG to navigate these hurdles in order to bring home a condition of service that is lasting and fulfilling.
Staff Commendation
As we close the chapter of 2024, JUSAG wishes to commend staff for the professional manner in which they conducted themselves before, during, and after the 2024 general elections. Your continued adherence to the Judicial Service code of ethics on political neutrality, integrity, and commitment contributed in no small way to the independence and competence of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service.
Post-election disputes are far from over as election related cases are still pending at various courts. We wish to urge continuous adherence to our professional ethics, even as we push for better conditions of service for staff.
Goodwill message
Comrades of the Judicial Service, let’s give glory to God Almighty that He has spared our lives to achieve some goodness in 2024. With life and good health, our dreams and aspirations in 2025 and beyond would be achieved. Do not fear, for we are children of the Lord, determined to serve with commitment.
On behalf of the entire National Executive Council and all the organs of JUSAG, I say Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to all staff of the Judicial Service and the Judiciary.
Ayee koo!
Afi hyia pa!
Afi oo Afi
Fe ye ye nami loo (Ewe)
Ni ti yuun panli ( Dagbani)
Ni yuni pa la (Wale or dagare)
Leti Yuun pa le ( Frafra)
Barrkan Mu Da, Saabon Shekara ( Hausa)
Once again, God bless us all as we enter into the New year.
SGD
MR. SAMUEL AFOTEY OTU
(National President, JUSAG)
