Judicial Secretary: Appeals to JUSAG to End Strike Over Salary Review

• The Judicial Secretary has urged the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) to end its strike.
• The industrial action stems from an unresolved 2026 salary review dispute.
• Judicial Service Management acknowledged staff frustrations and is engaged in high-level negotiations with government stakeholders.
• Management warned that ongoing court disruptions have significant consequences for citizens and justice delivery.
• Employees were reminded of their constitutional duty to ensure uninterrupted court services for the Ghanaian public.

Management warned that the disruption of court operations was not merely an administrative inconvenience, but carried far-reaching consequences for citizens, particularly vulnerable individuals, accused persons, families, and those seeking justice or redress.

The Judicial Secretary has issued a direct appeal to the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), urging its leadership and members to call off their planned industrial action. This call to return to work comes amidst continuing negotiations aimed at resolving a protracted impasse over the 2026 salary review. The appeal was formally communicated through a press release disseminated on Saturday, October 31, by the Management of the Judicial Service.

In its statement, the Judicial Service Management openly acknowledged the deep-seated frustrations experienced by its staff, which have led to the current disagreement regarding the salary review. Management provided assurances that these concerns were being addressed with the utmost seriousness and attention they warranted. This recognition underscores the gravity of the situation and the impact it has had on the workforce.

The Management further conveyed its profound appreciation for the unwavering resilience and commitment demonstrated by its employees during this challenging period. It emphasized that every individual within the Judicial Service, from registry personnel to courtroom staff, plays an absolutely indispensable role in upholding the effective administration of justice across Ghana.

Currently, the Judicial Service is actively engaged in high-level, good-faith discussions with various pertinent government stakeholders. The primary objective of these ongoing negotiations is to forge a fair and sustainable resolution that appropriately recognizes the invaluable contributions made by all Judicial Service employees. Against this backdrop, Management strongly encouraged JUSAG leadership and its members to consider the broader national interest and promptly resume their professional duties while these vital discussions proceed.

Management issued a stern warning regarding the profound implications of the continued disruption to court operations. It clarified that such interruptions are far more than a mere administrative inconvenience; they carry extensive and far-reaching consequences for the general populace. Specifically, these disruptions adversely affect vulnerable individuals, accused persons, families navigating legal challenges, and all those who are actively seeking justice or redress through the legal system.

The prolonged absence of staff from the courts, Management cautioned, possesses the potential to significantly undermine the delivery of justice to countless individuals. These are the very people who rely on the judicial system to safeguard their fundamental rights and to maintain essential social order within the nation. The integrity and accessibility of justice are thus directly imperiled by the ongoing strike.

Furthermore, the Judicial Service Management took the opportunity to remind its employees of their fundamental constitutional obligations to the citizens of Ghana, in whose name the entire justice system operates. It underscored that the consistent presence of staff is absolutely critical to ensuring the uninterrupted provision of court services, which are essential for the functioning of a democratic society.

Reiterating its steadfast commitment, the Judicial Service Management pledged to resolve the current impasse as swiftly and equitably as possible. It called for sustained cooperation between staff and management to navigate through this challenging period. Employees were urged to place the pressing needs of the Ghanaian public and their inherent responsibility to serve at the forefront of all efforts to achieve a resolution to the disagreement.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Ghana should closely monitor the status of the JUSAG strike, as continued disruptions to court operations will directly impact case filings, hearing schedules, and the overall administration of justice, potentially causing delays or requiring adjustments to legal strategies for ongoing matters.

Source: Original reporting via Emmanuel Tetteh