Minority Caucus urges Mahama to intervene in JUSAG strike

The Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions has criticized the Judicial Service workers' strike for affecting families and businesses. The caucus issued a statement on November 9, highlighting the detrimental impact of the ongoing dispute over the 2026 salary review. Frank Asiedu Bekoe, Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament's Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, emphasized the human stories behind pending cases, such as custody disputes, property rulings, and business recovery efforts.

The strike, involving the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) and SSAJUG, continues without resolution despite negotiations with Judicial Service management and the government. The caucus called for urgent intervention, urging President John Dramani Mahama to address the issue as a national matter. They demanded immediate engagement between JUSAG and relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, and requested high-level coordination from the Chief of Staff and Jubilee House to avoid further delays.

The caucus stressed that justice must not be delayed due to an unresolved labor dispute, and that those involved in administering justice must feel heard and valued. They appealed to the Chief Justice and Judicial Service management to demonstrate renewed commitment to staff welfare, particularly for registry and administrative workers who are crucial to the functioning of the justice system.

The caucus also urged the government to ensure that economic recovery efforts translate into the settlement of workers' legitimate concerns, stating that economic recovery must mean something to ordinary working people.

The Minority Caucus demanded that parliamentary leadership facilitate urgent talks and exercise oversight, while urging JUSAG and SSAJUG to remain committed to constructive engagement. They pledged to use parliamentary engagement, oversight, and public advocacy to press for a settlement, stating that the time for assurances without resolution is over, and that meaningful action is now necessary.