The Ministry of Finance in Ghana has given the green light for the payment of salary arrears to members of the Lower Court Bench and staff of the Judicial Service. This decision was made in accordance with the President's directive to implement new conditions of service for Judicial Service staff and members of the Lower Court Bench, which came into effect on January 1, 2026.
According to the payment schedule, five months' arrears, covering January to May 2026, will be paid in November 2026, while the remaining five months, covering June to October 2026, will be paid in December 2026. The Ministry of Finance has directed the Controller and Accountant-General's Department to give effect to the approval, ensuring that the arrears are paid to the beneficiaries.
The approval was granted in line with the government's resolve not to allow arrears to accumulate. The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, signed the letter dated November 2, 2026, confirming the approval. This development is expected to bring relief to the members of the Lower Court Bench and staff of the Judicial Service who have been awaiting the payment of their arrears.
Despite the disruption caused by the industrial action, the Office of the Judicial Secretary has announced that the Supreme Court will convene for its normal court business on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. A notice issued on Monday, November 2, signed by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, informed lawyers and parties involved in proceedings before the Court of the arrangement.
The notice advised all counsel and parties with cases listed before the Court to take note of the arrangement and govern themselves accordingly. The Supreme Court's sitting is a significant development, indicating that the judicial system is striving to maintain its normal operations despite the challenges posed by the industrial action.
The Finance Ministry's approval represents a significant development amid the industrial action by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG). However, it is unclear whether the payment arrangement addresses all the concerns raised by JUSAG or whether the association intends to suspend its strike.
The payment of salary arrears is a crucial step towards resolving the issues raised by JUSAG and ensuring the smooth operation of the judicial system in Ghana. The government's approval and the subsequent payment of arrears are expected to have a positive impact on the members of the Lower Court Bench and staff of the Judicial Service.
Key points
- The Ministry of Finance has approved the payment of 10 months' salary arrears for lower court judges and Judicial Service staff.
- The arrears will be paid in two instalments, with five months' arrears scheduled for November 2026 and the remaining five months to be paid in December 2026.
- The Supreme Court will convene for its normal court business on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, despite the disruption caused by the industrial action.
