JUSAG says strike continues despite progress in talks with Judicial Service management

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has maintained its strike despite what it describes as progress in discussions with the Chief Justice and management of the Judicial Service over its outstanding demands. The association says it will only consider ending the industrial action after receiving a revised and improved approval from the government that addresses its concerns.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Abdulai Yakubu, JUSAG said its leadership and that of the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service of Ghana (SSAJUG) held a meeting with the Chief Justice and management following the declaration of the strike. According to the association, the meeting was productive, with management expressing commitment to working with the government to address the outstanding demands.

JUSAG also disclosed that it had sighted a revised letter from the Ministry of Finance concerning the payment of allowances. It said management had further agreed to present the outstanding issues to the Office of the President for expedited resolution. While commending the Chief Justice and management for their interventions, the association said it would await the outcome of the discussions before its National Executive Council (NEC) takes a decision on the next steps.

However, it stressed that the latest developments had not resulted in the suspension of the strike. “We wish to inform staff and the public that THE STRIKE IS STILL ON,” the statement emphasised. JUSAG added that it would communicate any change in the status of the industrial action after receiving a revised and improved government approval that satisfies its demands.

Government approves arrears payment The latest developments follow a November 2 letter from the Ministry of Finance approving payment of ten months’ salary and allowance arrears for Judicial Service staff and members of the Lower Court Bench. The approved arrears are to be paid in two instalments, with the first covering January to May 2026, scheduled for November, and the second covering June to October 2026, expected in December.

The approval was communicated in a letter signed by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, directing the Controller and Accountant-General to give effect to the payment arrangement. Meanwhile, the strike has disrupted activities at several court premises across the country, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Accra Circuit Court and some District Court offices, with security personnel restricting access.

Despite the disruption, the Office of the Judicial Secretary has announced that the Supreme Court will convene for its normal court business on Tuesday, November 3, following a directive by the Chief Justice.