Accra: Mr Samuel Afotey Otu, President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), has been adjudged 'Judicial Service Leader Award of the Year' at the 16th Edition of the Ghana Leadership Award (GLA). The organisers, while conferring the award on Mr Otu, acknowledged his 'exceptional leadership and long-standing dedication to the rule of law.' According to Ghana News Agency, a statement issued in Accra mentioned that the awards, which took place in Accra, described the National President of JUSAG as an 'epitome of excellence.' The citation read, 'This (award) has recognised, and celebrated your career distinctive, 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 that you are epitome of excellence.' The Ghana Leadership Awards is an annual award scheme that aims at honouring and celebrating personalities for their outstanding and exemplary lead ership in their fields of endeavours in advancing the development of Ghana and Africa at large. Mr Otu expressed his gratitude, stating, 'I feel great about this recognition,' and 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.' The President of JUSAG urged members of the association to remain neutral as the December 7 elections approached. He advised that the potential for election-related disputes could flood the courts, and as officers, it would be an offence 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.' He further urged 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 offence for judic ial officers,' he added. He stated, '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 voted 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.' The awards ceremony was first organized in 2009 and has since honoured political, religious, economic, and traditional leaders, musicians, journalists, and businessmen and women across Ghana. Some past awardees include President Nana Akufo-Addo, former President John Mahama, former President J.J Rawlings, former UN Secretary-G eneral H.E Kofi Annan, former President 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 Matse HRM Nii Tsuru and many others.