Government approves payment of salary arrears for lower court judges, Judicial Service staff

On November 2, 2026, the Ministry of Finance authorized the payment of 10 months of unpaid salary arrears for members of the Lower Court Bench and Judicial Service staff. The payments will be made in two installments: five months in November 2026 and the remaining five months in December 2026. This decision came following the President's directive to implement new conditions of service for Judicial Service staff and Lower Court Bench members, which took effect on January 1, 2026, under Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution.

The November payment will cover arrears from January to May 2026, while December's payment will cover June to October 2026. The Ministry made this move to prevent the accumulation of unpaid wages, directing the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to implement the decision. The Supreme Court announced that it would convene for its regular sessions on November 3, 2026, overriding a strike called by judicial staff.

Despite the ongoing conflict, the Office of the Judicial Secretary reassured lawyers and parties involved in court proceedings that the Supreme Court would hold its normal sessions. Lawyers and parties were advised to adjust their schedules accordingly. The Finance Ministry's approval of the arrears payment signifies progress in resolving the industrial action, although it remains unclear if this arrangement fully addresses the concerns raised by the Judicial Service Union of Ghana (JUSAG) or if the union will extend its strike.