He made the call in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), held under the theme "Championing Staff Welfare and Technology: Anchors of Quality Justice” at the University for Development Studies, Tamale, in the Northern Region of Ghana.
In his brief address, President Mahama cautioned that while technology plays an important role in improving efficiency and accessibility of the justice system, it must not come at the expense of the human values that underpin justice.
"As we modernize, we must never lose sight of the human element at the heart of justice. Technology can improve efficiency, but it cannot replace integrity. Infrastructure can expand access, but it cannot substitute for professionalism. Regulations can set standards, but it is the discipline, compassion and patriotism of those who serve that ultimately give life to justice."
The President therefore encouraged staff of the Service to remain committed to building a justice system in which “no Ghanaian feels that fairness is beyond reach”. He also reiterated Government's commitment to the digital transformation of the Judicial Service as part of efforts to reduce delays, improve efficiency and strengthen public confidence in the administration of justice.
For his part, the Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, reaffirmed Management's commitment to staff welfare, describing it as an important institutional responsibility. He cited the passage of the Judicial Service (Terms and Conditions of Service) Regulations, 2025 (C. I. 141) as a significant step towards providing a structured framework for staff welfare and creating an enabling environment for employees to give off their best.
"An institution that expects loyalty from its people must itself demonstrate that it is worthy of that loyalty. That is the principle which extends well beyond the Service."
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also emphasized the need to ensure that technological advancement does not diminish the human dimension of justice delivery.
"We must digitize our systems without dehumanizing our justice. That distinction will become increasingly important as technology assumes a greater role in the administration of justice."
The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, used the occasion to remind workers and organized labour that workplace challenges are best addressed through consultation, negotiation and mutual understanding.
The President of the Judicial Service Staff Association, Mr. Samuel Afotey, underscored the critical role of human capital in the development and sustainability of institutions, describing people as the most important of the three key pillars - systems, tools and human resources – upon which institutions are built.
According to him, while effective systems and appropriate technological tools are essential to institutional development, it is people who think and conceptualize, design and implement these systems and determine the appropriate tools and technologies to deploy at any given time. He therefore reaffirmed JUSAG’s commitment to promoting the welfare and interest of its members whiles urging them to continue to give their best towards ensuring efficient and quality justice delivery.
The opening ceremony also featured solidarity messages from sister unions and professional bodies, including the Association of Judges and Magistrates, Ghana (AMJG); Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT); Senior Staff Association of Judicial Service of Ghana (SSAJUG); Ghana Bar Association (GBA) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
The well-attended ceremony was chaired by the Paramount Chief of the Nanton Traditional Area, Nanton Naa Mohammadu Bawah V, who represented the Regent of the Dagbon Kingdom.