JUSAG strike shuts Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, other courts

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has commenced an indefinite nationwide strike, disrupting activities at several court premises across the country over delays in the approval and implementation of its 2026 salary review.

The strike, which took effect on Monday, November 2, has resulted in the closure of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Accra Circuit Court and some District Court offices.

Checks by Citi News indicate that security personnel have been instructed not to open the gates of some court premises, restricting access to the facilities. Red cloth has also been tied to some court entrances to signal the association’s concerns and draw attention to the industrial action.

JUSAG says the strike follows months of unsuccessful efforts to secure approval of the Judicial Council’s recommendations on the 2026 salary and allowances review.

According to the association, the process began in December 2025, when it submitted its proposal to the Judicial Council. The Council subsequently completed its work and forwarded its recommendations to the President for determination.

However, the association says the recommendations have not received the necessary approval despite repeated appeals and reminders.

JUSAG is relying on Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution, which provides for the determination of salaries and allowances of Judicial Service staff by the President on the advice of the Judicial Council, in consultation with the Public Services Commission.

It has also cited Regulation 25 of the Judicial Service (Terms and Conditions of Service) Regulations, 2026 (C.I. 141), which provides for an annual review of staff salaries.

The association says it has raised the matter at several engagements, including its Second Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference in Tamale in August 2026, the 45th AMJG Conference in Accra in September and the Chief Justice’s Staff Durbar in Tamale.

It maintains that these engagements have not resulted in the approval and payment of the revised salaries.

The association’s National Executive Council set two key conditions for calling off the strike.

First, it wants the government to approve the Judicial Council’s recommendations on the 2026 salary review.

Second, it is demanding payment of the reviewed salaries in November 2026, together with arrears covering January to October 2026.

In a statement dated October 30, 2026, and signed by General Secretary Abdulai Yakubu, JUSAG directed all Judicial Service staff not to report for work from November 2 until the demands are met.

The association also instructed security personnel to remain at their posts to protect Judicial Service property during the strike.

Drivers were directed to hand over official vehicles to the Transport Department and refrain from operating them or driving judges and other officers for the duration of the action.

Registrars were also instructed not to open or be compelled to open registries or courts for official business.

Before the strike commenced, JUSAG formally notified the National Labour Commission (NLC) of its intention to embark on industrial action in a letter dated October 23, 2026.

In response, the Commission, in a letter dated October 26, directed the Minister for Jobs, Labour and Employment Relations to lead discussions with the relevant government institutions and the association.

The NLC also advised JUSAG to suspend its planned strike under Section 161 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), and requested a report on the outcome of the engagement by November 6.

However, JUSAG criticised the Commission’s timeline, arguing that the November 6 reporting deadline fell four days after the planned commencement of the strike.

The association also expressed disappointment that the Labour Ministry scheduled a meeting for November 3, after the industrial action was due to begin.

Despite declaring the strike, JUSAG has indicated its willingness to engage the government.

General Secretary Abdulai Yakubu said the association would honour an invitation to a meeting with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations on November 2.

However, he stressed that attending the meeting should not be interpreted as a willingness to abandon its demands.

He maintained that the association remained open to dialogue but would not compromise on the issues that led to the industrial action.

Management of the Judicial Service has also appealed to JUSAG members to suspend the strike and return to work while negotiations continue.

In a memorandum dated October 31, management acknowledged the frustrations among staff but said it was engaged in high-level discussions with relevant government stakeholders to secure a fair and sustainable resolution.

It urged the association to consider the national interest and the consequences of the strike for the administration of justice.

Management warned that the absence of staff would affect court operations and inconvenience litigants, accused persons and other members of the public seeking justice.

In a separate public notice issued on November 1 and signed by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, the Service said the matter was receiving urgent attention under the leadership of the Chief Justice.

It assured the public that efforts were underway to resolve the dispute and restore full court operations as quickly as possible.

The strike has disrupted activities at several court premises, raising concerns about access to justice for people with pending cases.

The closure of court offices could affect administrative services, court registries and other processes required for the smooth handling of cases.

Litigants, lawyers and members of the public who have scheduled court appearances or require services from the affected facilities may experience delays.

The Judicial Service has apologised for the inconvenience and appealed to court users, the Bar and the general public for patience and cooperation while efforts to resolve the dispute continue.

For now, JUSAG maintains that its members will remain off duty until the government approves the salary review and pays the revised salaries together with the outstanding arrears.