Some magistrates who decided to further their education without permission from the Judicial Service are likely to face sanctions from the Service, including pay cuts. The affected magistrates, numbering about 40, claimed they are being threatened with mass transfers for failing to officially inform the Chief Justice of their decision to go to school. They are pursuing a bachelor of law degree at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi. One of them who spoke on condition of anonymity told Luv News their job is not being affected by their schooling. “What we are saying is that the part time does not interfere with our work as magistrates, we are appealing to authorities to rescind their decision.” He said the Service’s action is discouraging and would deter people from enhancing their scope, adding that the course they are pursuing would rather help them discharge their duties more effectively. Luv News’ Elton John Brobbey said a circular from the office of the Judicial Secretary dated 24th February, 2011 has asked the affected magistrates to formally write to seek permission from the Chief Justice before they would be granted permission to continue their schooling. The circular also read in part; “salaries of all affected magistrates are to be reduced for the number of years each person has undertaken the course without permission”. Meanwhile, all the magistrates due for transfer have been requested to submit a comprehensive list of all criminal and civil cases pending before them before the end of March. According John Brobbey, the magistrates are also required to indicate the dates those cases were filed; when hearing commenced; the stage each case has reached and the number of days required to complete each case Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana