The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike beginning Monday, November 2, 2026, over the failure to review its members’ salaries.

The industrial action is expected to disrupt administrative and support services across Ghana’s judicial system, potentially affecting court operations and the delivery of justice if the dispute remains unresolved.

The association’s decision follows concerns over the non-review of salaries, with members pushing for the government and relevant authorities to address their outstanding remuneration demands.

The planned strike is likely to put additional pressure on Ghana’s judicial administration, as the courts depend on the contributions of judicial service staff to support daily operations and the effective delivery of justice.

Salary Review Process Has Been Pending Since December 2025

According to JUSAG, the dispute dates back to December 2025, when the association submitted proposals for the 2026 salary review to the Judicial Council.

The association explained that the Judicial Council completed its work on the proposals and subsequently submitted its recommendations to the President for consideration and approval. However, the required approval from the Office of the President had not been secured.

JUSAG maintains that the delay contradicts the provisions of Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution and Regulation 25 of the Judicial Service (Terms and Conditions of Service) Regulations, 2026 (C.I. 141), which provide for an annual review of salaries.

The association said it had made several attempts to resolve the matter through engagements with management and government officials but had received no satisfactory outcome.

These efforts included appeals at its Second Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference in Tamale in August 2026, the 45th Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) Conference in Accra in September, and the Chief Justice’s Staff Durbar in Tamale.

However, the association said the appeals and assurances had failed to produce the necessary action.

JUSAG Demands Payment of Salary Arrears from January to October

In outlining the conditions for suspending the planned industrial action, JUSAG presented two major demands to the government.

First, it wants the government to approve the Judicial Council’s recommendations on the 2026 salary review by October 30, 2026.

Secondly, the association is demanding that the revised salaries be paid in November 2026, together with arrears covering January to October 2026.

JUSAG argues that its members should not continue to experience delays in receiving their reviewed salaries while other public sector workers have already benefited from their 2026 salary adjustments.

The association says the prolonged delay has negatively affected staff morale and created frustration among workers of the Judicial Service.

JUSAG Criticises National Labour Commission’s Intervention

The association also expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the dispute by the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the Ministry of Jobs, Labour and Employment Relations.

JUSAG formally notified the NLC of its intention to embark on an indefinite strike on October 23, 2026, if the government failed to meet its demands.

On October 26, the NLC directed the association to suspend its planned industrial action and requested the Labour Minister to lead discussions with the relevant stakeholders.

The Commission subsequently set November 6, 2026, as the deadline for the submission of a report on the negotiations.

However, JUSAG questioned the timing of the intervention, arguing that the November 6 deadline falls four days after its planned strike would have commenced.

The association also criticised the Labour Ministry for scheduling a meeting for November 3, a day after the proposed industrial action was expected to begin.

It further rejected a proposal from the Ministry of Finance to pay the outstanding salary arrears in three instalments without clear timelines and without prior consultation with the association.

JUSAG described the government’s handling of the matter as evidence of a lack of commitment to addressing the welfare concerns of Judicial Service employees.

Court Operations Could Be Disrupted Nationwide

The planned strike could have significant implications for the administration of justice in Ghana if it proceeds.

Judicial Service staff play important roles in the day-to-day functioning of the country’s courts, including administrative duties, record management and other support services necessary for court proceedings.

The withdrawal of their services could therefore affect court activities, delay hearings and create further difficulties for litigants, lawyers and other individuals who depend on the judicial system.

JUSAG’s National Executive Council said its decision followed consultations with the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service (SSAJUG) and other key stakeholders.

The association has maintained that the strike will remain in force until the government meets its demands.

With November 2 approaching, attention will be on whether the government and relevant authorities can reach an agreement with the association to prevent another nationwide disruption of judicial services.