Judges and magistrates have been tasked to be desirous of working harder to build a well-respected judiciary richly endowed with the highest standards of judicial accountability and transparency.

The Chief Justice, Mrs. Justice Georgina T. Wood, said the judiciary, under her leadership, would continue to strive to provide judges and magistrates with the skills, tools and the right working environment to thrive and be productive.

The Chief Justice was speaking at the 35th Annual General Meeting of the Judicial Service in Accra under the theme: “Judging with Integrity: The Role of the Judge in Adjudication.’’

The AGM would afford judges and magistrates the opportunity to discuss issues confronting the profession and strategise for the future.

It would also afford judges to be schooled on Continuing Legal Education on Contempt, as well as interact with retired judges.

During the two-day meeting, participants would also undergo medical screening on prostate, cervical and breast cancer among other sicknesses.

The Chief Justice unveiled the Judicial Service Five Year Strategic Plan dubbed; “Justice Without Barriers." She called for the removal of all barriers and challenges confronting compatriots as they accessed justice at the courts.

Mrs. Justice Wood said the judiciary was also working to invest more resources into refurbishing old court infrastructure and official residences, as well as construct new ones.

She told the judges and magistrates that a 50 court complex at Victoria Borg would be commissioned early next year.

She said the Judicial Service was also providing scholarships to members to undertake postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom and United States of America in various disciplines.

On conditions of service, the Chief Justice said some members were yet to receive their entitlements and urged them to continue to be more dedicated and committed to achieve excellence.

Nene Amegatcher, President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), recounted the healthy relationship that existed between the GBA and the members of the bench.

The GBA President urged the judges and magistrates to refrain from injustices and biases so that the country would not be plunged into chaos and confusion.