JUSAG strike: Minority urges Chief Justice to stand with staff and defend judicial independence
The Minority has urged the Chief Justice to stand firmly with striking Judicial Service workers and defend the Judiciary’s independence as a dispute over the 2026 salary review continues.
The Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions has called upon the Chief Justice to support striking Judicial Service workers and safeguard the Judiciary’s independence amid ongoing negotiations over the 2026 salary review. On Monday, November 9, the caucus sent a statement to President John Dramani Mahama, urging practical steps to protect staff welfare and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the Judiciary’s interests over Executive convenience.
"An independent Judiciary must not appear to subordinate its institutional interests to the convenience of the Executive," stated Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions Frank Asiedu Bekoe in the signed statement. The dispute stems from unresolved issues related to the salary review, with JUSAG announcing that the strike would persist on Monday, November 9.
Despite failed negotiations between the Judicial Service management and the government, the caucus expressed concern that the government was placing greater emphasis on its position than on the workers' welfare. They appealed to the Chief Justice to demonstrate that the welfare and dignity of judicial staff matter by taking concrete action.
The caucus highlighted the crucial role of registry and administrative staff, stating that the justice system cannot function without their contributions. They emphasized that the unresolved dispute is also negatively impacting individuals awaiting court decisions, including those involved in custody disputes, property cases, business claims, and hearings affecting personal liberty.
The caucus urged the government and relevant ministries, including Finance, to engage JUSAG promptly and provide a viable path to a settlement. They also called on the President’s Office and Parliament to facilitate urgent dialogue between the parties. The Minority pledged parliamentary oversight and public advocacy to push for a resolution, stating that the time for promises without action has passed, and that meaningful action is now necessary.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
