The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has partnered with Vanguard Life Assurance Company Limited to introduce a new welfare package for its members.

Launched at the High Court in Tamale, the 'JUSAG Funeral Booster Plan' aims to provide financial support to Judicial Service workers in the event of bereavement.

The launch featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between JUSAG, represented by Mr. Samuel Afotey Otu, the National President, and witnessed by Mr. Abdulai Yakubu, the General Secretary, and Vanguard Life Assurance, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Nintuarah, Head of Distribution, and witnessed by Mr. Yussif Adam, Head of Special Market.

Mr. Abdulai Yakubu, the General Secretary, explained that the policy, part of the initiatives to celebrate JUSAG's 50-year anniversary, provides free insurance coverage of GHS 5,000.00 for the member, spouse, two children, and two parents.

"The booster package has a premium of GHS 5.00 with an additional total benefit of up to GHS 10,800.00, covering members, spouses, two children, and two parents. With the highest premium of GHS 35.00, the total benefit cover is GHS 72,000.00, spread to cover the funeral expenses upon the death of a member, spouse, two children, and two parents," he added.

Mr. Samuel Afotey Otu, the National President of JUSAG, highlighted the benefits of the policy as a means for members to have better alternative financial support for funerals, rather than relying on banks and other lending institutions during such difficult times.

He assured members that the leadership's interest is to ensure better welfare for all, noting that the funeral booster policy complements the JUSAG 3600 welfare policies, which include JUSCOFund, JUSAG Heritage Cashback, Judicial Service Provident Fund (Tier 3 Pension Scheme), End of Membership Benefit, and others.

"Today, we are also here to launch our funeral booster or bereavement packages in partnership with Vanguard Assurance. We will provide detailed information about the Judicial Service Occupational Pensions Scheme (Tier 2), including the performance of the fund and guidelines for members, updates on the draft Judicial Service Regulation (CI), and take feedback from you to make progress. These are all part of the 50th-anniversary celebration programs," he stated.

The National President also called for unity and cooperation from members, as his leadership works hard to secure better working conditions with the full commitment and support of the Chief Justice and the Judicial Secretary, who share a passion for staff welfare.

He further urged the staff to adhere to the service's code of ethics and mentioned disciplinary actions taken against staff who violated these standards.

"Before I resume my seat, let me remind everyone gathered here today that, while the majority of us uphold high ethical standards in our work, there are frequent reports and petitions concerning indiscipline and misconduct among some staff. Notable offenses include embezzlement, extortion, suppression of revenue and deposits, teeming, and lading," Mr. Afotey Otu stated.

"These negative practices damage the service's reputation both locally and internationally, and it's time we addressed this trend," he added.

Nana Antwi Boasiako, the Northern Regional Administrative Officer who served as the chairman of the program, commended JUSAG's leadership for their efforts.

He referred to the President as their "savior" for his tireless work in improving staff welfare without fear or favor.

Joseph Akanlagm, Northern Sector Area Manager of the National Insurance Commission, praised JUSAG for choosing the northern region for the national launch and remarked on the significance of JUSAG's partnership with Vanguard in risk-sharing.

He advised both parties to adhere to the contract terms for the benefit of members and their organizations.

Mr. Yussif Adam, Head of Special Market at Vanguard Life Assurance Company Limited, stated that their partnership with JUSAG aims to enhance members' welfare benefits, particularly regarding funerals.

The event was attended by JUSAG executives, including Bro. Yakubu Abdulai, General Secretary; Bro. Owusu Kankam, National Treasurer; Sister Joyce Asan, Deputy General Secretary; Sister Hannah Boachie, National Women Commissioner; and Miss Justina Abassitimi, Regional Chair for JUSAG – Tamale.

Additionally, Mrs. Lydia Asampana, Regional Administrative Officer for the North East Region, and representatives from all courts and units in the Northern, Northeast, and Savanna regions were present.