Ghana's Judicial System Paralysed As JUSAG Strike Continues

The ongoing strike by JUSAG and SSAJUG has entered its fifth day, with the Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions urging President John Dramani Mahama and the Chief Justice to intervene and resolve the impasse. The strike, triggered by unresolved issues relating to the 2026 salary review, has persisted despite several engagements between the unions, Judicial Service Management, and Government.

The Minority Caucus, led by Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament's Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, has warned that the continued disruption could undermine the administration of justice and impose further hardship on the public. The Caucus has called on the President and Government to immediately engage the unions, address the outstanding salary review issues, and provide a clear pathway towards resolving the impasse.

According to the Minority Caucus, workers should not be made to feel that withdrawing their labour is the only way to have their concerns addressed, insisting that legitimate employment-related entitlements must be honoured. The Caucus questioned why workers continued to face uncertainty over their entitlements despite repeated assurances of economic recovery, adding that fiscal discipline should not become a permanent explanation for leaving workers in uncertainty.

The Minority Caucus has also appealed to the Chief Justice and Judicial Service Management to demonstrate stronger commitment to the welfare of staff and intensify engagement with Government and the unions. The Caucus expressed concern that Judicial Service workers felt their institution was not standing firmly enough with them, arguing that their welfare and dignity should not be treated as an inconvenience or a matter to be transferred entirely to Government.

The work of judicial staff in court registries and administrative offices is essential to the effective functioning of the justice system, although their contributions are often less visible than those of judges and magistrates. The Minority Caucus has consequently called on the Chief Justice to demonstrate, through practical action, that the concerns of staff are receiving serious attention.

The continued industrial action is also affecting members of the public who depend on the courts for the resolution of disputes, including families awaiting custody decisions, individuals involved in property disputes, businesses seeking to recover debts, and persons whose liberty depends on timely court hearings. The Minority Caucus warned that the legitimate concerns of workers must be addressed while measures are taken to ensure that citizens are not left to bear the consequences of the industrial action indefinitely.

The Minority Caucus has proposed several interventions, including providing immediate high-level coordination to prevent the matter from drifting between ministries without a concrete resolution, facilitating urgent engagements through parliamentary leadership and relevant committees, and exercising oversight responsibilities to help resolve the dispute. The Caucus has also urged JUSAG and SSAJUG to remain committed to constructive engagement while pursuing a fair settlement that protects the welfare and dignity of their members.

Key points

• The Minority Caucus has urged President John Dramani Mahama and the Chief Justice to intervene and resolve the impasse.
• The strike has persisted despite several engagements between the unions, Judicial Service Management, and Government.
• The continued disruption could undermine the administration of justice and impose further hardship on the public.