Tema East MP calls for independent funding of Parliament and Judiciary as JUSAG strike exposes executive control

Tema East MP Isaac Ashai Odamtten is calling for a major review of how Ghana funds its three arms of government, proposing that Parliament and the Judiciary receive dedicated allocations from the Consolidated Fund to guarantee their financial independence.

He argues that the ongoing strike by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has exposed the difficulties that arise when one arm of government depends on the Executive for financial decisions affecting its operations.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews, the Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions Committee said the current arrangement raises questions about the practical independence of the Judiciary, particularly when issues involving salaries, allowances and other financial obligations require executive approval.

Odamtten proposed that a percentage of the Consolidated Fund be allocated directly to Parliament and the Judiciary to enable them to manage their financial responsibilities independently.

He suggested that between one and two per cent of the fund could be allocated to each of the two arms, leaving the Executive to manage the remaining resources.

He believes such an arrangement would strengthen the separation of powers and allow the three arms of government to operate with greater institutional autonomy.

The MP drew a distinction between industrial disputes involving ministries, departments and agencies, which fall within the Executive, and disputes involving another arm of government.

According to him, the situation becomes more concerning when the operations of the Judiciary are affected by financial decisions controlled by the Executive.

Mr Odamtten says discussions are already underway to grant some independent constitutional bodies greater autonomy in their operations and funding.

He believes similar considerations should be extended to the Judiciary and Parliament to strengthen Ghana’s governance architecture.

The proposal comes as the ongoing JUSAG strike continues to disrupt judicial activities, with the association demanding, among other things, the implementation of revised salaries, payment of outstanding arrears and a formal written agreement with government.