By Albert Allotey, GNA
Accra, Nov. 09, GNA – The Coalition of Muslim Organisations Ghana (COMOG) has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to urgently intervene in the industrial dispute involving the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) to restore access to justice and ease the hardship on court users.
The organisation said the strike, which has disrupted judicial services for at least five working days, had imposed considerable hardship on the public.
A statement signed by Mr Abdul Majeed Musah, General Secretary of COMOG, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said access to justice was essential for protecting liberty, human dignity, livelihoods and national stability.
“Every additional day of disruption deepens the distress of individuals and families who depend on the courts,” it added.
COMOG expressed particular concern about persons in police custody and on remand whose court appearances, bail applications and hearings could be delayed because of the industrial action.
It noted that for individuals awaiting opportunities to seek bail or challenge the legality of their continued detention, such delays carried serious human consequences.
The organisation said the families of affected persons were also confronted with anxiety, uncertainty and additional financial burdens.
According to the statement, the impact of the strike extended beyond criminal proceedings.
It explained that delays in maintenance and child custody cases could affect the welfare of children and dependent families, while interruptions in civil, commercial, land and inheritance cases could prolong disputes and delay access to property and financial relief.
The statement added that litigants and witnesses could incur transportation costs, lose productive working time and travel long distances without receiving the services they required.
It said the postponement of cases would also contribute to existing case backlogs and place additional pressure on the justice system when normal operations resumed.
COMOG noted that the consequences of prolonged disruption often affected vulnerable persons with limited resources the most.
The organisation acknowledged the important role of Judicial Service staff and the need to address their concerns regarding remuneration and conditions of service in a fair and timely manner.
“Their welfare deserves serious attention, and a lasting settlement must be supported by clear commitments and credible implementation timelines,” the statement said.
COMOG urged President Mahama to build on ongoing engagements and personally facilitate an urgent resolution between JUSAG and the relevant institutions.
“We appeal for a mutually acceptable agreement that addresses the outstanding concerns, protects workers’ interests and restores the public’s access to justice.”
The organisation also appealed to the leadership and membership of JUSAG to reconsider the continuation of the strike and engage constructively in negotiations.
“We respectfully urge the Association to engage constructively with the President and approach proposals arising from his intervention with openness, flexibility and a willingness to reach a fair compromise.”
In the national interest, COMOG called on JUSAG to consider suspending the industrial action to allow court services to resume while outstanding issues were resolved through good-faith negotiations.
“A win-win outcome must uphold the dignity of Judicial Service staff while safeguarding the rights and welfare of the people they serve,” the COMOG urged.
The organisation further urged all parties to prioritise cases involving persons in custody, bail applications and other time-sensitive matters through appropriate arrangements led by the Judiciary.
It stressed that persons entitled to release under lawful court orders should not experience avoidable administrative delays in regaining their freedom.
“Guided by our commitment to justice, compassion and peaceful dialogue, we call on all parties to act with urgency and mutual respect. The hardship of workers and the suffering of court users both deserve a prompt and fair response.
“Justice delayed carries a human cost. We appeal for immediate action to restore full access to justice for all Ghanaians,” it said.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Albert Allotey