Court proceedings across the country have been brought to a halt following an indefinite strike by members of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), leaving courtrooms empty and gates to courts closed.
The strike, which took effect yesterday, has disrupted the administration of justice, leaving litigants and legal practitioners unable to attend to cases scheduled for hearing.
A visit by the Daily Graphic 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.
Reason
Speaking to the media, the General Secretary of JUSAG, Abdulai Yakubu, said the industrial action had become necessary because of 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.
Mr Yakubu said the association was dissatisfied with the salary review proposal communicated to it, which, according to him, did not reflect the recommendations of the Judicial Council and the provisions of the conditions of service governing members.
He explained that 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.
“Our C.I. that regulates our conditions of service says that our salary should be reviewed by a rate not below what is granted to other public sector workers.
“We all go to the same market, so it is reasonable that a lawmaker provides that for us.
We don't expect to have a review in the base pay that is below what is granted to our colleagues in the public sector,” he said.
Arrears
Mr Yakubu said 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.
“At minimum, we expect to see a revised letter from either the Office of the President or the Ministry of Finance, if they are so authorised by the President, approving the recommendation of the Judicial Council.
“It should instruct the Controller and Accountant-General to make payments of the new salary in November and further instruct that the associated arrears from January to October will be paid in the same month,” he said.
He said the rising cost of living had worsened the financial difficulties of members, particularly in meeting transportation and accommodation expenses.
“I know staff who come to work, and they can't go home.
They have to sleep and go home only during weekends because affording transport is a challenge for them,” he said.
On the association's engagement with the National Labour Commission (NLC), Mr Yakubu dismissed suggestions that JUSAG had deliberately disregarded the commission's 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 today (November 3).
Judicial Service response
In a public notice signed by the Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, the Judicial Service confirmed that JUSAG had declared an indefinite strike effective November 2, 2026.
It said management was engaging in urgent discussions with relevant government stakeholders to resolve the issues underlying the industrial action and restore full court operations.
The notice acknowledged the inconvenience the strike would cause to litigants, legal practitioners and other court users, and appealed for their patience and understanding.
It assured the public that the matter was receiving urgent attention under the Chief Justice's leadership, with efforts being made to ensure the prompt resumption of court services.
