Alex Nartey, President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), has passed on his mantle of office to Samuel Afotey Otu.
The ceremony took place at the Supreme Court of Ghana, where the newly-elected executives of JUSAG were sworn in by a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Mrs. Irene Charity Larbi.
The swearing-in ceremony, which was graced by the Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin Yeboah, had Samuel Afotey Otu and Samuel Larteylai Lartey respectively sworn-in as President and Vice, Abdullai Yakubu, General Secretary, Joyce Assan, deputy General Secretary, Hannah Boakye, Women Commissioner, and Owusu Kankam, Treasure, to serve a four-year mandate.
Addressing the new JUSAG executives, Chief Justice Anin Yeboah urged the Association to remain united, as within it lay strength.
He advised that the essence of their election into office was not to superimpose or lord over the members, but to represent their interests.
“Lead your membership in truth, honesty, and integrity. Keeping in mind they are just like you, staff of the judicial Service. Never try to over impose yourself on them. The association exist because of it members…,” he admonished.
He reiterated that the cardinal rules of leadership were service and listening to the members at all times, because wisdom was not the sole preserve of any person.
The Chief Justice congratulated the executives and pledged the support of management in the discharge of their duties.
Samuel Afotey Otu thanked the members for granting him the opportunity to serve them.
He assured the Judicial Service Staff that the new executives would do everything legally right to improve upon the working conditions of the members.
According to him, the good of JUSAG depends on every little contribution from each member, although “we are the leader, we need each and everyone’s co-operation to be able to lead well.
“Every thought, suggestions and experience are all welcome to make JUSAG more resilient and beneficial to all. We will keep an open door policy.”
Alex Nartey, first and foremost, thanked Chief Justice Anin Yeboah for his exemplary leadership before proceeding to give account of his stewardship.
He said under their tenure of office, the living standards of JUSAG members had improved more than they met it.
According to him, directors of the various departments of the Judicial Service, at the assumption of office of the past executives, were earning about GH¢3,000 monthly, but through their effort, the salaries have appreciated astronomically.
Mr. Nartey added that the salary increment and other benefits have had a ripple effect on the other members of association.
He mentioned that all outstanding arrears and allowances have been paid, including securing study leave for about staff to become lawyers.
The out-gone president urged the Judicial Service to reflect deeply into the appointment of court registrars, saying, “We need to be careful about who is selected to become a registrar going forward.
“We should not appoint anybody at all just because he understands what we do. His character is critical. He must be that person who is able to supervise the court and control his workers, ensuring that their work ethics and disciplinary issues are adhered.
“They must be people who understand they are in the office not for themselves but to serve the people of Ghana so that we can by that rebuild the image.”
