JUSAG strike: AG to engage Finance Minister as talks intensify

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has pledged to engage Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson over the outstanding concerns of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG). The move is in an effort to resolve its ongoing strike. He gave the assurance during a meeting with the national leadership of JUSAG to discuss the issues underpinning the industrial action and explore avenues for an amicable resolution.

Dr Ayine said the association’s concerns would be a priority at a scheduled meeting with Dr Forson on Thursday, adding that he was committed to ensuring that the outstanding matters were addressed. “I have a meeting with the Finance Minister [on Thursday] and your issues are top of the agenda. Your role in justice delivery is critical, and as Minister of Justice, I will ensure that these concerns are addressed immediately,” he said.

The Attorney-General reaffirmed his support for the association, citing his role in securing the passage of C.I. 141, the Judicial Service Terms and Conditions Regulations, 2025, which provide a framework for the conditions of service of Judicial Service employees. He also disclosed that he had provided a legal opinion to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission affirming the legitimacy of JUSAG’s concerns regarding allowances under the regulations.

“I have always been with you and will ensure that you get what is due to you,” he added. The JUSAG leadership commended Dr Ayine for his intervention and willingness to take up the matter with the Finance Minister. General Secretary of the association, Abdulai Yakubu, described the engagement as productive, saying the Attorney-General had demonstrated an understanding of the issues behind the industrial action.

“We have had a reason to smile at this meeting because you have demonstrated that you are indeed with us. If there’s one public official who has understood our issues, then it is you, Mr Minister,” he said. Mr Yakubu said the association’s leadership would consider Dr Ayine’s appeal for members to return to work while awaiting feedback from his engagement with the Finance Minister.

He added that the association would take a decision on whether to suspend the strike after the outcome of the meeting with Dr Forson. Both parties expressed optimism that the engagements would lead to a resolution of the outstanding concerns and the restoration of normal court operations. Background to the strike JUSAG began an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, November 2, following what it described as the government’s failure to approve and implement its members’ reviewed salaries and allowances for the 2026 financial year.

The association’s demands are anchored in Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution and the Judicial Service (Terms and Conditions of Service) Regulations, 2025, also known as C.I. 141, which provide the framework for determining the salaries and conditions of service of Judicial Service employees. JUSAG has been seeking approval of recommendations submitted by the Judicial Council on the 2026 salary review, as well as payment of revised salaries and outstanding arrears covering January to October 2026.

The industrial action 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. The association has since held engagements with key stakeholders, including the Chief Justice and Judicial Service management, as efforts continue to resolve the dispute.