President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), Mr. Samuel Afotey Otu, has been recognized with the “Judicial Service Leader Award of the Year” at the 16th edition of the Ghana Leadership Award (GLA).

The organizers, while conferring the award on Mr. Otu, acknowledged his demonstrations of “exceptional leadership and outstanding and longstanding dedication to the rule of law.”

The awards, which took place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, described the National President of JUSAG as an “epitome of excellence.”

“This award has recognized and celebrated your distinctive career achievements, commitment, perseverance, and loyalty to Ghana’s Judicial Service by demonstrating exceptional leadership, outstanding and longstanding dedication to the rule of law for God and country. You are an epitome of excellence,” the citation read.

The Ghana Leadership Awards is an annual award scheme that aims at honoring and celebrating personalities for their outstanding and exemplary leadership in their fields of endeavor in advancing the development of Ghana and Africa at large.

Gratitude

Moments after the event, Mr. Samuel Afotey Otu, the President of JUSAG, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I feel great about this recognition.”

He added, “It’s clear that my efforts are being acknowledged, and I’m committed to delivering even more for justice delivery.”

“I will continue to set the standard and strive for excellence,” Mr. Afotey Otu said.

Neutral Election Matters

The President of JUSAG seized the opportunity to urge members of the association to remain neutral as the December 7 elections approach.

He added that the potential for election-related disputes will flood the courts, and as officers, it’s an offense to endorse political parties.

“With less than a month to the election, we have the right to vote, but let’s exercise that right carefully. Avoid being used by politicians; that’s been our message from day one.

“I urge every JUSAG member to stay away from political hooliganism, remain focused, vote wisely, and return home after voting. Involving yourself in party activities is a major offense for judicial officers,” Mr. Afotey Otu urged.

He added, “Electoral commission officers will do their work, and aggrieved members may resort to the courts. But if you’re identified with a particular party, people may perceive you as biased. Vote peacefully and go home. Avoid wearing political party T-shirts to maintain neutrality.”

The Chief Executive Officer of GLA, Professor Emmanuel Y. Nash, urged the Electoral Commission and all stakeholders, including the security agencies, to protect their integrity as the country votes on December 7, 2024.

The 16th edition of the Ghana Leadership Awards was on the theme “Ghana’s Electoral Commission must listen to all political parties to prevent fear and panic.”

Previous Winners

The awards ceremony was first organized in 2009 and has since honored political, religious, economic, and traditional leaders, musicians, journalists, and businessmen and women across Ghana.

Some past awardees include H.E. President Nana Akufo-Addo, former President H.E. John Mahama, former President H.E. J.J. Rawlings, former UN Secretary-General H.E. Kofi Annan, former President H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor, former Auditor General Mr. Yaw Daniel Domelevo, Mr. Alex Nartey – JUSAG President, Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin, former Majority Leader Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, Ga Mantse HRM Nii Tsuru, and many others.