Centre for Legitimacy and Rule of Law Requests Special Bail Courts Amid JUSAG Strike

The Centre for Legitimacy and Rule of Law (CLRL) has called on Ghana's Chief Justice to set up specialised courts to handle bail applications exclusively, as the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) strike continues. The proposed courts would comprise High Court judges assisted by Circuit or District Court judges. This move aims to ensure that individuals arrested or remanded in custody can still access the courts and have their bail applications determined despite the disruption to judicial proceedings.

In a press statement issued on November 9, 2026, the CLRL emphasised the need for urgent action to prevent people in police or prison custody from being denied access to justice. The Centre's Head of Legal, Richard Nii Amarh, signed the statement, which proposed that the specialised courts should sit exclusively to hear bail applications, particularly those involving individuals whose access to the courts has been affected by the JUSAG strike.

The CLRL expressed concern about the number of people arrested since the strike started and argued that the suspension of court proceedings has left many without the opportunity to have their detention reviewed by a judge. The situation is particularly worrying for accused persons who have already been remanded and given specific dates to return to court, now facing uncertainty over when they will next appear before a judge or have an opportunity to apply for bail.

According to the Centre, the 1992 Constitution requires a person arrested or detained to be brought before a court within 48 hours. However, the ongoing strike has made access to this constitutional protection increasingly difficult. The CLRL described the situation as a threat to Ghana's commitment to the rule of law and the protection of individual rights.

The Centre also called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to direct investigators to grant police enquiry bail in minor offences to reduce pressure on police cells. This measure would help prevent unnecessary congestion in detention facilities while the courts remain affected by the strike.

The CLRL's proposal aims to provide an urgent avenue for suspects and accused persons to seek their release while the industrial dispute remains unresolved. The Centre emphasised that fundamental human rights should not become inaccessible due to a labour dispute within the Judicial Service.

The establishment of specialised courts and the granting of police enquiry bail in minor offences are crucial steps to mitigate the impact of the JUSAG strike on access to justice in Ghana. The CLRL's recommendations aim to ensure that the rights of individuals are protected and that the justice system continues to function effectively during the strike.

Key points

• The Centre for Legitimacy and Rule of Law requests special bail courts to handle applications during the JUSAG strike.
• The proposed courts would comprise High Court judges assisted by Circuit or District Court judges.
• The CLRL also urges the IGP to grant police enquiry bail in minor offences to reduce pressure on police cells.