Kumasi High Court and other lower courts closed as JUSAG strike leaves litigants stranded

The Kumasi High Court and other lower courts in Ghana's Ashanti region have been forced to close their doors following a strike by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG). The dispute centers around the 2026 salary review and outstanding arrears owed to the judiciary's critical staff. As a result, litigants seeking legal assistance are left stranded at the courts, with no judiciary personnel present to assist them.

Adom News reporter Kwadwo Obeng Mireku confirmed the closure of the Kumasi High Court, Court of Appeal, Asokwa Circuit Court, and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Court, which were devoid of staff and marked by red bands indicating the ongoing strike. One affected litigant, Joyce Konama, expressed her frustration at arriving at the High Court only to find it closed, having traveled a considerable distance for the scheduled hearing.

Other affected litigants have appealed to the government to prioritize the welfare and conditions of service of judicial service staff, warning that prolonged strike action may escalate the situation in the country.