The Ministry of Finance in Ghana has given the green light for the payment of outstanding salary arrears to members of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG). This move comes after JUSAG initiated a nationwide strike to demand the disbursement of revised salary arrears dating back to January 2026. The strike had a significant impact on court operations across Ghana, with several major judicial installations, including the Supreme Court and various District Courts, being locked down.
The industrial action by JUSAG led to a substantial disruption in court activities, with security personnel restricting public access to court premises. In a show of protest, red cloth was tied to the entrances of several court complexes to draw attention to the strike and signal the association's concerns. The strike was a result of the government's delay in implementing the new conditions of service for Judicial Service staff and Members of the Lower Court Bench, which was approved by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take effect from January 1, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Finance's official statement, the approval for the payment of arrears was granted following a review of salaries and allowances for Judicial Service staff and Members of the Lower Court Bench. The statement referenced letters dated October 28, 2026, and emphasized the government's commitment to not accruing arrears. The payment of arrears is expected to bring relief to JUSAG members who have been awaiting the disbursement of their revised salaries.
The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) had been pressing for the implementation of new conditions of service, which included a review of their salaries and allowances. The association's efforts were aimed at addressing the welfare concerns of its members, who play a crucial role in the administration of justice in Ghana. The payment of arrears is seen as a significant step towards resolving the issues raised by JUSAG.
The Ministry of Finance's decision to approve the payment of arrears is expected to ease tensions between the government and JUSAG. The strike had caused significant disruptions to court operations, affecting the delivery of justice to Ghanaians. With the payment of arrears, court activities are expected to resume, and the normal functioning of the judicial system is anticipated to be restored.
The payment of arrears to JUSAG members is also seen as a demonstration of the government's commitment to improving the welfare of its workers. The implementation of new conditions of service for Judicial Service staff and Members of the Lower Court Bench is expected to boost morale and productivity among JUSAG members. The government is expected to continue engaging with JUSAG to address any outstanding concerns and prevent future industrial actions.
The resolution of the JUSAG strike is a welcome development for Ghanaians who rely on the judicial system for the delivery of justice. The payment of arrears to JUSAG members is expected to have a positive impact on the judicial system, enabling it to function more effectively. The government and JUSAG are expected to continue working together to address the welfare concerns of JUSAG members and prevent future disruptions to court operations.
Key points
- The Ministry of Finance has approved the payment of outstanding salary arrears to members of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG).
