The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has commenced an indefinite nationwide strike, effective November 2, 2026, due to the government's inaction on the proposed 2026 salary review for Judicial Service staff. According to a statement signed by JUSAG's General Secretary, Abdulai Yakubu, the strike will persist until the government approves the revised salaries and pays outstanding arrears from January to October 2026. The Association cites Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution and Regulation 25 of the Judicial Service (Terms and Conditions of Service) Regulations, 2026 (C.I. 141) as the basis for the salary review.
JUSAG submitted proposals for the 2026 salary review to the Judicial Council in December 2025. Despite delays and subsequent reminders, the Judicial Council completed its deliberations and submitted recommendations to the President for approval. However, JUSAG claims that approval from the Office of the President has not been forthcoming, prompting the Association to notify the National Labour Commission (NLC) of its intention to embark on an indefinite strike on October 23. The NLC directed the parties to report on November 6, while the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment scheduled a meeting for November 3, a day after the strike began.
The Judicial Service has appealed to JUSAG members to return to work while negotiations continue, assuring them that their concerns are being treated seriously. In a public notice, the Service acknowledged the anxiety the industrial action may cause for persons with pending court matters. The Judicial Service stated that it is engaged in urgent discussions with relevant government stakeholders to achieve a swift and amicable resolution of the underlying issues.
Under the strike directive, all Judicial Service staff have been instructed not to report for work until JUSAG's demands are met. However, security personnel have been directed to remain at their posts to safeguard Judicial Service properties. Drivers have been instructed to hand over official vehicles to the Transport Department and refrain from driving official vehicles, judicial officers, or judges during the strike.
JUSAG criticised the Ministry of Finance's proposal to pay salary arrears in three instalments without specifying clear timelines. The Association described this proposal as being issued without consultation with JUSAG, which represents the affected workers. JUSAG maintained that the government's handling of the matter demonstrates a lack of commitment to the welfare of Judicial Service employees.
The Judicial Service remains committed to upholding the rule of law and serving the public interest. The Service will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates to the public as developments unfold. JUSAG's strike action has significant implications for the country's judicial system, with all courts and registries expected to be affected.
The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions to court proceedings and judicial operations. Key stakeholders, including the government and Judicial Service, are urged to expedite negotiations to resolve the impasse and prevent further disruptions to the administration of justice in Ghana.
Key points
- JUSAG begins indefinite nationwide strike over government's failure to approve 2026 salary review.
- Judicial Service appeals to JUSAG members to return to work while negotiations continue.
- Strike causes significant disruptions to court proceedings and judicial operations.
