The Ministry of Finance in Ghana has sanctioned the disbursement of ten months of outstanding salaries and allowances owed to employees of the Judicial Service and members of the Lower Court Bench. This development comes amid an ongoing industrial dispute that has disrupted judicial operations across the country. The outstanding payments accumulated following the introduction of revised conditions of service, which received presidential approval in accordance with Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution and became effective on January 1, 2026.
The financial clearance comes at a critical moment for the judiciary, as members of JUSAG continue an indefinite strike over outstanding remuneration and related concerns. The industrial action has affected operations at several judicial facilities nationwide, with the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Accra Circuit Court and selected District Court offices reportedly locked, while security personnel have restricted access to some court premises. This has raised concerns about the continued delivery of judicial services and the ability of the courts to discharge their responsibilities.
The Ministry of Finance has instructed the Controller and Accountant General to undertake the necessary administrative and financial arrangements to implement the approved payments. The payments will be released in two separate instalments, with the first tranche covering the period from January to May 2026 and expected to be paid in November. The subsequent instalment, representing salary and allowance arrears for June through October 2026, is scheduled for disbursement in December.
In an official correspondence dated November 2, 2026, and signed by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Ministry explained that the revised conditions of service received presidential approval. The approval of the outstanding remuneration represents an important development in the dispute, particularly as the industrial action continues to affect the administration of justice. However, it is unclear whether all the demands presented by JUSAG have been satisfied.
The Supreme Court has announced that it will proceed with its regular judicial business on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, despite the ongoing strike. A notification issued on Monday, November 2, disclosed that the decision followed a directive from the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, requiring the apex court to proceed with its scheduled proceedings. This move aims to ensure continuity in the administration of justice.
The disruption caused by the strike has raised concerns about the impact on the judiciary and the country as a whole. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has urged the Public Accounts Committee to detain officials who fail to account for public funds. Meanwhile, the Ghana Journalists Association has urged the Attorney General to give priority to prosecuting attacks on reporters.
The next significant development will depend on JUSAG's response to the government's payment arrangement and whether its leadership considers the approved disbursement adequate to warrant the suspension of the ongoing industrial action. The outcome will determine whether the two instalment payments will be sufficient to secure an immediate resolution of the dispute and restore the full complement of administrative services within the Judicial Service.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has approved the payment of 10 months' salary arrears to Judicial Service staff.
- The payment of outstanding salaries and allowances is being done in two instalments, with the first tranche expected to be paid in November and the second in December.
- The Supreme Court will proceed with its regular judicial business on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, despite the ongoing strike by JUSAG.
