Justice Mensah urges better pay to boost Lower Court Staffing

Supreme Court nominee Justice Philip Bright Mensah has made a strong appeal for better pay and improved working conditions for judges at the lower courts.

He believes that addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring access to justice, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Justice Mensah pointed out that many lawyers avoid lower court appointments due to unattractive conditions of service.

“I think the solution to the problem [insufficient judges in the rural areas and villages] is that the condition of service, particularly at the lower courts, must be attractive,” he told the committee.

Justice Mensah explained that although the bulk of judicial work happens at the lower court level, most lawyers prefer roles in the superior courts.

He said boosting incentives would help draw more qualified lawyers to serve where their work can have a more direct and widespread impact.

He also suggested that strengthening the lower bench could reduce the growing backlog in many courts across the country.

During the session, he further proposed the appointment of 20 justices to the Supreme Court to improve its ability to handle its wide range of responsibilities. The Supreme Court currently exercises up to seven distinct legal mandates, he noted.

On the issue of judicial independence, Justice Mensah acknowledged that while judges are generally free to rule based on facts and law, external factors sometimes affect the system.

Justice Mensah is among seven nominees to the Supreme Court put forward by President John Dramani Mahama for parliamentary approval.