Ghana's Judicial Service Staff Extend Indefinite Strike Over Unresolved Salary Dispute

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) and the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service of Ghana (SSAJUG) have extended their indefinite strike over unresolved issues relating to the 2026 salary review. The unions announced on Sunday, November 8, 2026, that their members would continue to stay away from work from Monday, November 9. They cited a lack of official response from the government or Judicial Service Management to their revised final demand submitted on Thursday, November 5.

The unions had engaged with the Judicial Service Management and the government in recent days in an attempt to reach an agreement. However, they said they had not received any official response as of 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. As a result, the strike will continue until their demands are addressed. The unions have directed all Judicial Service staff, including those working at the Supreme Court, to stay away from work for the duration of the industrial action.

JUSAG and SSAJUG acknowledged the difficulties the strike would cause members of the public and institutions that depend on their services. However, they stated that their current working conditions made it impossible to continue working. The unions said their members would only return to work when their demands had been met and staff were satisfied and motivated.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has interdicted two officers over an alleged illegal scheme involving the issuance of Ghanaian Service Passports to unqualified individuals in exchange for money. The officers are the Acting Director of Passports, Mahama Yahaya Amantana, and a junior Foreign Service Officer, Alhassan Sumani. The Ministry referred both officers to the Ghana Police Service for further investigations and possible prosecution.

The alleged scheme had been operating since 2023, and Sumani, who was described as a key figure, had operated as a middleman before joining the Foreign Service on November 29, 2024. Preliminary findings confirmed that 10 individuals who did not qualify for Service Passports were issued the documents between January 2023 and August 2026 after allegedly making illegal payments to a syndicate.

In a separate event, Nana Thomas Kwame Okrah Debrah, the Amansie West District Coordinating Director, was enstooled as the Amantiahene and Omanhene Mponuahene of the Akyem Bosume Traditional Area. The ceremony was held in line with the customs, practices, and tradition of the area, and the Chieftaincy Act 2008 (Act 759).

The Amantiahene and Mponuahene expressed gratitude for the confidence and trust placed in him by the kingmakers and vowed to uphold the customs, traditions, and practices of the place. He also promised to provide the needed leadership to facilitate rapid socio-economic development in the area.

Key points

• The strike by JUSAG and SSAJUG will continue until their demands for the 2026 salary review are met.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has interdicted two officers over an alleged illegal scheme involving the issuance of Ghanaian Service Passports.
• Nana Thomas Kwame Okrah Debrah was enstooled as the Amantiahene and Omanhene Mponuahene of the Akyem Bosume Traditional Area.