Finance Ministry approves 10 months’ arrears for Judicial Service staff amid JUSAG strike

The Finance Ministry of Ghana has approved the payment of ten months' salary and allowance arrears for Judicial Service staff and members of the Lower Court Bench. These arrears, a result of new conditions of service, will be disbursed in two installments. The first installment, covering January to May 2026, is set for payment in November, while the second, for June to October 2026, is expected in December.

This approval was communicated in a letter dated November 2, 2026, by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, instructing the Controller and Accountant-General to implement the decision.

The new conditions of service were approved by the President, in accordance with Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution, and came into effect on January 1, 2026. The approval arrives at a time when the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has been on strike, disrupting operations at various court premises nationwide. Lockouts have been imposed at the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Accra Circuit Court, and certain District Courts, with security personnel preventing access to these locations.

Despite the ongoing strike, the Supreme Court has announced that it will convene for normal court proceedings on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. This decision, made by the Chief Justice, enables the Court to continue with its scheduled activities. A notice issued on November 2 by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed informed all lawyers and parties involved of the arrangement. They were advised to comply with this directive to ensure the smooth running of the Court's business.

The Finance Ministry's decision is a notable move during this industrial action. However, the approving letter does not clarify whether this payment arrangement addresses all the issues raised by JUSAG or if the association plans to halt its strike.