The recent statement by Supreme Court Judge Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei that judges in Ghana are well paid and, therefore, cannot be bribed has sparked public debate.
While I have the greatest respect for His Lordship, I believe that assessment does not fully reflect the realities of the Ghanaian Judiciary.
The Judiciary is not a homogeneous institution.
It comprises judges serving at different levels, with varying responsibilities and significantly different conditions of service.
Any discussion of judicial remuneration must therefore take into account the entire judicial structure rather than focusing solely on the Superior Courts.
There is no doubt that judges of the superior courts are better remunerated than their counterparts in the lower courts.
They deserve to be fairly compensated, given the constitutional importance of their offices.
However, it is equally important to recognise that magistrates and circuit court judges—who constitute the largest segment of the Judiciary and handle the vast majority of cases that come before the courts—are comparatively poorly paid.
Many lower court judges serve in remote and deprived districts with limited infrastructure and support.
Circuit courts, in particular, often contend with heavy criminal, civil and family caseloads and in some jurisdictions, they dispose of more cases than the high courts.
These judges are the first port of contact for most Ghanaians seeking justice and play a vital role in maintaining public confidence in the legal system.
Yet, the disparity in remuneration between the Superior Courts and the Lower Courts remains striking.
Illustratively, if a High Court Judge earns between GH¢50,000 and GH¢60,000 per month, a circuit court Judge may earn approximately GH¢10,000 to GH¢12,000.
Such a gap raises legitimate questions about fairness and whether the current remuneration structure adequately reflects the responsibilities borne by lower court judges.
This is not an argument that superior court judges are overpaid. On the contrary, judicial officers should receive remuneration that safeguards their independence and reflects the importance of their constitutional mandate.
The concern is that the remuneration of lower court judges has not kept pace with the demands of their office.
Every judge, regardless of rank, faces the same economic realities.
They buy food from the same markets, pay similar utility bills and support their families under the same economic conditions.
While differences in remuneration are expected within any judicial hierarchy, the current disparity deserves thoughtful review.
In my respectful view, Ghana should move towards a more equitable remuneration framework under which magistrates and circuit court judges earn between 60 and 70 per cent of a High Court Judge's salary.
Such a reform would better reflect their indispensable contribution to the administration of justice, improve morale, strengthen judicial independence and reinforce public confidence in the judiciary.
A Judiciary is only as strontg as its foundation.
Since the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians experience the justice system through the lower courts, ensuring that magistrates and circuit court judges are fairly remunerated is not merely a matter of equity—it is an investment in the strength, integrity and effectiveness of Ghana's justice system.
Festus Fitikides, Aflao.
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