By Gifty Amofa, GNA
Accra, Nov. 2, GNA – The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) on Monday began its indefinite nationwide strike to demand presidential approval of new salaries and payment of arrears.
The strike follows a press conference addressed by Mr Abdulai Yakubu, General Secretary of JUSAG, at the Supreme Court on Friday, October 30, 2026.
At the press conference, Mr Yakubu directed all Judicial Service staff not to report for work until the President approved their new salaries in accordance with Article 149 of the Constitution and CI 141, and ensured payment of the salaries in November 2026, together with arrears covering January to October this year.
He, however, directed security personnel to remain at post to safeguard Judicial Service property.
Drivers were also instructed to hand over official vehicles in their custody to the Transport Department, with no official vehicle to be used to transport officers or judges during the strike.
Mr Yakubu further directed registrars not to open or allow any registry or court to operate during the strike.
He urged staff who faced pressure or threats from management to report for duty to decline such directives and immediately report the matter to JUSAG.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the Amasaman Courts on Monday showed that the premises were deserted, with the court locked and only security personnel on duty.
The strike is expected to disrupt justice delivery, particularly the arraignment of suspects in police custody within the constitutionally stipulated 48-hour period.
It could also delay bail applications and hearings involving remand prisoners, as well as the speedy trial of high-profile cases pending before the courts.
Meanwhile, Mr Musah Ahmed, Judicial Secretary, has assured the public that the matter was receiving urgent attention under the leadership of the Chief Justice.
In a statement, the Judicial Service said it was aware of the anxiety the strike could cause among litigants and other court users, particularly those with pending cases.
It said management was engaged in urgent discussions with relevant government stakeholders to secure an amicable resolution and restore full court operations as soon as possible.
The statement expressed regret over the disruption to justice delivery and appealed to the public, the Bar and all court users for patience, understanding and cooperation.
It added that the Judicial Service would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, while the Chief Justice remained committed to the prompt resumption of court services.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe