The Ghanaian government has announced plans to pay salary arrears to members of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) and the lower court bench. According to a letter dated November 2, 2026, from Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, the payments will be made in two instalments in November and December 2026. This move aims to prevent the accumulation of salary arrears. The payment schedule was approved by President John Dramani Mahama, pursuant to Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution.

The first payment, scheduled for November, will cover the period from January to May 2026, while the second payment, in December, will cover June to October 2026. This decision comes after the government approved the implementation of new conditions of service for Judicial Service staff and members of the lower court bench, effective January 1, 2026. The approval was granted to address the concerns of JUSAG members, who had been on strike.

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, stated that the government's resolve is to prevent the accumulation of salary arrears. In line with this, the payment of associated arrears has been approved, with a specific schedule for the payments. The payment schedule provides for five months of arrears, covering January to May 2026, to be paid in November, and the remaining five months, covering June to October 2026, to be paid in December.

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) had been on strike, demanding better conditions of service. The strike was called off after the government agreed to meet their demands. The new conditions of service for Judicial Service staff and members of the lower court bench were implemented effective January 1, 2026. This move is expected to improve the welfare of JUSAG members.

President John Dramani Mahama approved the implementation of the new conditions of service pursuant to Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution. The article grants the President the power to make regulations and appointments. The government's decision to implement the new conditions of service has been welcomed by JUSAG members.

The payment of salary arrears is a significant step towards resolving the issues affecting JUSAG members. The government has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the concerns of its workers. The payment schedule will ensure that JUSAG members receive their arrears in a timely manner.

The Ghana News Agency (GNA) reported that the payment of salary arrears is part of the government's efforts to improve the welfare of its workers. The government has taken steps to prevent the accumulation of salary arrears, and this move is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of JUSAG members.

Key points

  • The Ghanaian government has approved the payment of salary arrears to JUSAG members, covering the period from January to October 2026.
  • The payment will be made in two instalments, in November and December 2026.
  • The implementation of new conditions of service for Judicial Service staff and members of the lower court bench was effective January 1, 2026.

Share this story

Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.