JUSAG News Stories

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) used the occasion of the Supreme Court's 150th Anniversary celebrations to call on authorities to prioritise capacity development and improve conditions of service for both judges and judicial staff, insisting that a well-supported workforce is indispensable to the integrity and sustainability of Ghana's justice system.

The National President of JUSAG, Mr. Samuel Afotey Otu delivered a solidarity address at the launch of the Supreme Court at 150 Years event, held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Cedi Conference Centre of the University of Ghana, Legon. The event, themed "Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Defining the Future," brought together senior members of the judiciary, legal professionals, academics, and dignitaries to mark one and a half centuries of Ghana's apex court.

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

In his address, Mr. Afotey traced the origins of Ghana's Supreme Court to 1876, when it was established as the Supreme Court of the Gold Coast under the Supreme Court Ordinance, with Sir David Patrick Chambers serving as its first Chief Justice. Since then, Ghana has had 28 Chief Justices from the colonial era to the present, with Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie being the most recently sworn-in, as of November 17, 2025.

The National President paid a glowing tribute to several towering figures of the bench. Chief Justice Sir Arku Korsah was celebrated as the first Ghanaian Chief Justice after the British era — a milestone that marked a proud turning point in the nation's judicial history. Former Chief Justice Ernest Nii Pobee Sowah was honoured for his landmark contribution in Tuffuor v. Attorney-General, in which he described the Constitution as a living organism that must grow and adapt with time.

Chief Justice Philip Edward NEEQUAYE Kwesi Archer's remarkable journey from court clerk to Chief Justice was singled out as a powerful and enduring inspiration for every member of the Judicial Service. Her Ladyship Justice Georgina Theodora Wood ( Naa Koshie)— the first female Chief Justice of Ghana and the first female Chief Justice in Africa — was also celebrated for breaking institutional barriers and inspiring generations of women across the continent.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

The JUSAG's National President commended Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and all current Justices of the Supreme Court for their dedication to strengthening judicial independence, broadening access to justice, and embracing technology in court administration. He noted that their leadership continues to inspire confidence in Ghana's justice system both domestically and across Africa.

𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
The most pointed segment of the address was the JUSAG President's forward-looking charge. He stressed that Ghana must invest in those who make the justice system function on a daily basis, calling for stronger institutional capacity, deeper digital transformation, and concerted efforts to ensure the welfare of all who serve within the justice system.

"Behind every landmark judgment is the silent but vital support of hardworking judicial staff who keep the wheels of justice turning," he stated, adding that a strong and supported workforce is essential to sustaining the integrity of Ghana's courts for generations to come.

JUSAG, whose members form the backbone of the Judicial Service, reaffirmed its unwavering support for the entire judicial system, pledging continued commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and excellence in service delivery.

The Supreme Court's 150th anniversary celebrations are expected to feature a series of events commemorating the court's legacy and charting a vision for its future role in consolidating Ghana's constitutional democracy.

Source: 𝑱𝑼𝑺𝑨𝑮 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔

Reported from the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon | April 16, 2026
Tags: #JUSAG | #SupremeCourt | #150th #Anniversary | #Judiciary #Ghana | #Chief #Justice | #RuleofLaw