The President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG), His Lordship Justice Henry Kwofie, has expressed frustration over the persistent delays in the release of allowances and the inadequate provision of basic facilities needed for the smooth functioning of the judiciary.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Association’s annual conference on the theme “Leveraging Technology to Enhance Justice Delivery”, Justice Kwofie said judges and magistrates are often made to feel as though the resources allocated to them are undeserved.
“Facilities for the performance of functions of the judiciary are given to us as if we don’t deserve them. I am talking about allowances. Judges move around without cards. Medical allowances are not released. I don’t remember the last time I received mine. Even if they have been approved by Parliament, they are not released,” he lamented.
Justice Kwofie disclosed that for the past two to three quarters, he and many of his colleagues have not received their approved allowances, despite the critical nature of their work.
“Our work is such that we cannot do any other work. We need to make this public for the Attorney General to carry it to the appropriate quarters,” he added.
The AMJG President also highlighted the plight of lower bench judges, noting that many are forced to fund official duties from their own pockets due to the delays.
“A judge this morning explained that he used his own funds to travel 16km from Buipe to Dambai to hear cases,” Justice Kwofie recounted, describing the situation as unacceptable.