JUSAG declares indefinite strike from November 2
The Judicial Service Staff Association says its members will withdraw their services nationwide after months of unsuccessful negotiations over their 2026 salary review. The industrial action could disrupt court hearings and administrative services from November 2.
The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike from Monday, November 2, 2026, over delays in approving its members' 2026 salary review.
The association has directed all Judicial Service employees to stay home until the government meets its demands and further instructions are issued by its leadership.
The industrial action is expected to disrupt court proceedings and administrative services across the country, with JUSAG advising people scheduled to appear in court on Monday not to attend because staff will be
unavailable.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, October 30, JUSAG said the decision followed months of unsuccessful engagements with the government and other relevant authorities over recommendations submitted by the Judicial Council.
The association wants the recommendations approved by October 30, with revised salaries paid in November and arrears covering January to October 2026.
How the salary dispute started
JUSAG said it began the salary review process in December 2025, when it submitted proposals to the Judicial Council to facilitate the annual review of salaries and conditions of service.
It cited Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution and the Judicial Service (Terms and Conditions of Service) Regulations, 2025 (C.I. 141) as the legal basis for the process.
According to the association, the Judicial Council completed its work and submitted its recommendations to President John Dramani Mahama for determination.
However, JUSAG says the approval process at the Office of the President has been delayed despite repeated reminders and appeals.
The association said it raised the matter at several engagements, including its Second Quadrennial Delegates' Conference in Tamale, where the Chief of Staff reportedly assured members that their concerns would be communicated to the Presidency for expedited attention.
Its leadership also raised the issue during the Chief Justice's Staff Durbar at the Tema High Court and the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana conference in Accra.
“Unfortunately, we have not gotten the needed results,” the association said.
Disagreement with Labour Commission's intervention
JUSAG said it notified the National Labour Commission (NLC) on October 23 of its intention to embark on an indefinite strike if the government failed to meet its October 30 deadline.
However, it criticised the Commission's intervention, particularly its directive for the Ministry of Jobs, Labour and Employment Relations to convene a meeting with relevant stakeholders and submit a report by November 6.
The association said the reporting deadline was beyond the ultimatum it had issued.
It also questioned why the Office of the President was not represented in the meeting invitation, arguing that the Presidency had the constitutional authority to approve the salary recommendations.
“In the letter that was sent to us, we did not have an invitee from the Office of the President, which has the constitutional authority to approve the salaries,” it said.
JUSAG further disclosed that it had seen a letter from the Ministry of Finance concerning the salary review, which it claimed was prepared without its input and rejected its proposals.
The association said these developments had reinforced its belief that the government was not committed to resolving the dispute.
Court users warned of disruption
With its October 30 deadline passing without the approval it sought, JUSAG said its National Executive Council had decided to proceed with the industrial action.
It warned that the strike would affect court proceedings and other services delivered by the Judicial Service.
“For persons who have cases on Monday, we advise that you do not show up as staff will not be available to attend to your cases,” the association announced.
JUSAG said its members would only return to work after the demands had been met.
The immediate impact is likely to be felt by litigants, lawyers and other court users who depend on the courts for hearings, administrative processes and other judicial services.