Finance Ministry approves 10 months’ arrears for Judicial Service staff amid JUSAG strike

The Ministry of Finance has approved the payment of ten months’ salary and allowance arrears for staff of the Judicial Service and members of the Lower Court Bench. The arrears, arising from the implementation of new conditions of service, will be paid in two instalments, with the first covering January to May 2026 and scheduled for payment in November.

The second instalment, covering June to October 2026, is expected to be paid in December. In a letter dated November 2, 2026, and signed by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Ministry directed the Controller and Accountant-General to give effect to the approval. According to the Ministry, the new conditions of service were approved by the President pursuant to Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution and took effect on January 1, 2026.

The approval comes amid an ongoing strike by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), which has disrupted activities at several court premises across the country. The Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Accra Circuit Court and some District Court offices have been locked, with security personnel restricting access to the premises. Supreme Court announces sitting Despite the disruption, the Office of the Judicial Secretary has announced that the Supreme Court will convene for its normal court business on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

A notice issued on Monday, November 2, said the sitting was directed by the Chief Justice to enable the Court to proceed with its scheduled business. The notice, signed by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, informed lawyers and parties involved in proceedings before the Court of the arrangement. “Pursuant to the direction of His Lordship, the Chief Justice, it is hereby notified for the information of all Lawyers and parties to proceedings that the Supreme Court shall convene for its normal court business tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd November 2026,” it stated.

It further advised all counsel and parties with cases listed before the Court to take note of the arrangement and govern themselves accordingly. The Finance Ministry’s approval represents a significant development amid the industrial action. However, the letter does not indicate whether the payment arrangement addresses all the concerns raised by JUSAG or whether the association intends to suspend its strike.