Justice Henry Anthony Kwofie, President of the Judges and Magistrates Association of Ghana (JMAG), has expressed concern over the significant disregard for their challenges, in respect of unpaid allowances, stagnant salaries and security.

Speaking during the Association’s 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Accra yesterday, he said these tripartite issues are severely affecting their welfare.

The theme for this year’s meeting, “Improving the Security and Welfare of the Judiciary for Effective Justice Delivery,” resonated deeply as members grappled with unresolved challenges from previous years.

Justice Kwofie lamented the loss of two JMAG members since the last meeting and emphasized that many concerns raised in 2023 remain unaddressed.

He outlined significant delays in payments for judges and magistrates’ allowances, particularly in medical, car maintenance, and fuel allowances. “This year, the only allowance received on time was the quinquennial allowance, thanks to the Chief Justice’s intervention,” Kwofie stated. “Other allowances, especially fuel, have not only been delayed but have worsened.”

Judges from various levels of the judiciary, including the Supreme Court and magistrates, have reportedly not received their second quarter fuel allowances as the year progresses. “As of today is October 2, we are in the fourth quarter, and many judges are left wondering when the next payments will arrive,” Kwofie added, citing a lack of clarity on which allowances have been processed.

The situation is compounded by issues related to servicing official vehicles, with judges reporting that expenses for vehicle maintenance have gone unpaid for months.

Some of his colleagues have serviced their vehicles multiple times without reimbursement, leading to significant frustration.

Justice Kwofie further expressed concerns about the inadequate security for judges, noting that while police protection is provided, it is often insufficient.

He said Ghana is the only country where courtroom security is lax, allowing anyone to walk in and out during proceedings.

The President also addressed the stagnation of judges’ salaries, which have not been adjusted for the past four years, stating their conditions worsen as allowances are delayed and salaries remain unchanged.

In response to ongoing dissatisfaction, Justice Kwofie proposed integrating allowances into monthly salaries to ensure timely payment, although judges expressed concerns over potential tax implications.

While some are worried about increased taxes, he urged for the need to calculate the actual impact and proposed that he would prefer to receive his fuel allowance consistently as part of his salary rather than facing unpredictable delays.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for systemic changes to enhance the welfare and security of the judiciary, ensuring that judges can effectively fulfill their roles without the burden of financial and safety uncertainties.

Kwofie appealed to stakeholders to take these issues seriously for the benefit of judicial integrity and effectiveness.