Court proceedings across Ghana have been brought to a halt following an indefinite strike by members of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG). The strike, which took effect on November 2, 2026, has disrupted the administration of justice, leaving litigants and legal practitioners unable to attend to cases scheduled for hearing. A visit to the Accra High Court and Supreme Court revealed that the gates of both courts were closed and secured with red bands, while normal court activities had come to a standstill.
The General Secretary of JUSAG, Abdulai Yakubu, stated that the industrial action had become necessary due to the government's failure to meet the association's demands concerning salary reviews and allowances. He said the association expected the government to approve the recommendations of the Judicial Council on its salary review and ensure that the new salaries and outstanding arrears were paid in November. The association is dissatisfied with the salary review proposal communicated to it, which, according to Yakubu, did not reflect the recommendations of the Judicial Council and the provisions of the conditions of service governing members.
According to Yakubu, the relevant instrument provided that salaries of judicial service staff should be reviewed at a rate not lower than that granted to other public sector workers. He explained that the association's conditions of service state that their salary should be reviewed by a rate not below what is granted to other public sector workers. Yakubu emphasized that it is reasonable to expect a similar review in base pay, given that judicial staff and other public sector workers face the same cost of living.
JUSAG expected the government to issue a revised letter approving the Judicial Council's recommendations and directing the Controller and Accountant-General to pay the new salaries in November, together with arrears covering January to October 2026. The association also expected a clear plan for the payment of arrears. Yakubu mentioned that the rising cost of living had worsened the financial difficulties of members, particularly in meeting transportation and accommodation expenses.
Yakubu dismissed suggestions that JUSAG had deliberately disregarded the National Labour Commission's (NLC) advice, explaining that it was not a directive or order. He faulted the Minister of Labour for failing to engage the association promptly after it announced the strike, saying JUSAG only received a letter towards the close of business last Thursday, informing it of a meeting scheduled for November 3.
The Judicial Service confirmed that JUSAG had declared an indefinite strike effective November 2, 2026, and acknowledged the inconvenience the strike would cause to litigants, legal practitioners, and other court users. In a public notice, the Judicial Service appealed for patience and understanding, assuring the public that the matter was receiving urgent attention under the Chief Justice's leadership.
The Judicial Service is engaging in urgent discussions with relevant government stakeholders to resolve the issues underlying the industrial action and restore full court operations. Efforts are being made to ensure the prompt resumption of court services. The strike has left courtrooms empty and gates to courts closed, causing significant disruptions to the justice system.
Key points
- The strike was caused by the government's failure to meet JUSAG's demands concerning salary reviews and allowances.
- The association expected the government to approve the Judicial Council's recommendations on salary reviews and pay outstanding arrears.
- The strike has disrupted court proceedings nationwide, causing inconvenience to litigants, legal practitioners, and other court users.
