JUSAG Declares Strike, Judicial Service On High Alert

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana, known as JUSAG, has announced an indefinite nationwide strike set to commence today, November 2, 2026. This action is prompted by the government's refusal to approve the proposed 2026 salary review for Judicial Service staff. The strike's terms and conditions were outlined in a statement released on October 30 and signed by the General Secretary of JUSAG, Abdulai Yakubu.

The strike will persist until the government approves the revised salaries and disburses them in November, along with all outstanding arrears from January to October 2026. JUSAG's decision stems from months of unsuccessful negotiations aimed at securing the salary review, which they assert is mandated by Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution and Regulation 25 of the Judicial Service (Terms and Conditions of Service) Regulations, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Judicial Service has called upon JUSAG members to resume their duties while negotiations continue, expressing their commitment to addressing the concerns of the affected personnel. They clarified that the industrial action may cause inconvenience to parties with pending court matters and are actively engaging with government stakeholders to reach a resolution.

JUSAG submitted the 2026 salary review proposals to the Judicial Council in December 2025, but faced delays. They subsequently wrote to the Council to expedite proceedings. Despite repeated reminders, the President's office has not granted approval for the salary revision, even after the Judicial Council submitted its recommendations for approval.

The Association expressed disappointment with the National Labour Commission (NLC) for scheduling a meeting for November 6, four days after the strike was set to commence, and criticized the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment for arranging a meeting on November 3, one day after the strike was expected to begin. Moreover, JUSAG criticized the Ministry of Finance for proposing to pay the salary arrears in three installments without clear timelines, a decision made without consulting JUSAG, the primary representative of the affected workers.

The strike directive instructs all Judicial Service staff not to report for duty from today until their demands are met. Security personnel are directed to remain on duty to protect Judicial Service properties, while drivers are instructed to return official vehicles to the Transport Department and refrain from driving them for the duration of the strike.

Registrars have been directed not to open or compel any court or registry for official use during the industrial action.