The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has expressed encouragement over the government's proposed payment of 10 months' salary arrears owed to its members. However, the association emphasizes that the core issue remains the substantive approval and implementation of the revised conditions of service recommended by the Judicial Council. According to Abdulai Yakubu, General Secretary of JUSAG, the association's main concern has not been addressed despite the government's recent steps.
The salary arrears arose from the delay in reviewing JUSAG members' salaries for 2026. The association has long argued that its members' salaries and allowances have not kept pace with the rising cost of living and the critical nature of their work in supporting the administration of justice across Ghana. JUSAG contends that despite the Judicial Council's recommendations, the government has been slow to give the substantive approval needed for implementation.
The association embarked on an indefinite strike to press home demands for improved conditions of service for staff of the Judicial Service. The strike has affected court operations nationwide, with many courts unable to sit, causing delays in the hearing of cases and inconvenience to litigants, lawyers, and the public. According to Mr. Yakubu, the Finance Ministry's proposal on the payment of the arrears is an encouraging development, but it does not resolve the issues at hand.
JUSAG is engaging with the Management, the Ministry of Labour, and the Attorney General's Department to determine the best way forward. The government's revised proposal on the substantive approval of the conditions of service would be considered by the Judicial Council. The association's leadership maintains that payment of the arrears alone will not end the strike without a firm commitment on the conditions of service.
Central to the dispute is the revised conditions of service recommended by the Judicial Council, the body mandated to advise on matters relating to the Judicial Service. The council's recommendations have not been substantively approved by the government, leading to the ongoing impasse. Negotiations involving JUSAG, Judicial Service management, the Ministry of Labour, and the Attorney General's Department are ongoing to find a lasting resolution.
The delay in the 2026 salary review has resulted in 10 months' salary arrears, which the Ministry of Finance has now proposed to pay. While JUSAG welcomes the move, its leadership emphasizes that the approval of the revised conditions of service is crucial to resolving the dispute. The association is seeking a firm commitment from the government on the implementation of the revised conditions of service.
The strike by JUSAG has significant implications for the administration of justice in Ghana. With many courts unable to sit, the hearing of cases has been delayed, causing inconvenience to litigants, lawyers, and the public. The association's leadership is hopeful that a lasting resolution can be found through ongoing negotiations with the government and other stakeholders.
Key points
- The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana seeks approval of revised conditions of service.
- The association has embarked on an indefinite strike to press home demands for improved conditions of service.
- The government has proposed paying 10 months' salary arrears owed to JUSAG members.
