Minority Caucus urges Mahama to intervene in JUSAG strike

The Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions has urged President John Dramani Mahama to intervene urgently to resolve the ongoing strike by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) and the Judicial Service Association of Ghana (SSAJUG) over outstanding issues relating to the 2026 salary review.

In a petition dated November 9, 2026, and addressed to the President, the Caucus expressed concern about the continued industrial action, warning that the impasse is affecting the administration of justice and causing hardship to workers and the public.

JUSAG announced on Sunday, November 8, that the strike would continue on Monday, November 9, despite engagements with the Judicial Service Management and Government.

The Minority said the situation had persisted for too long and required decisive leadership rather than further assurances.

“This situation has gone on for far too long. It demands more than another round of meetings or another promise that the matter will be looked into. It demands leadership, sincerity and, above all, action,” the petition stated.

The Caucus said workers must have their concerns addressed before resorting to industrial action and urged Government to honour its obligations to public sector employees.

It also called on the Chief Justice to demonstrate greater commitment to staff welfare and ensure that the Judiciary actively advocates for its workers.

According to the Minority, the dispute has broader implications for the country, as the continued disruption of judicial services affects families, businesses and citizens seeking justice.

It stressed the need for a fair and dignified resolution that would allow workers to return to their duties without feeling that their concerns had been ignored.

Minority raises concerns over staff welfare

The Caucus said the strike should not be viewed merely as an industrial disagreement but as a matter involving the welfare and dignity of workers who support the administration of justice.

It noted that judicial staff, particularly those working in court registries and administrative offices, play an essential role in ensuring the effective functioning of the Judiciary.

“We must never allow the people who keep our justice system running to feel that they themselves have been denied justice,” the petition said.

The Minority also expressed concern that workers felt their institution was not adequately standing with them in the dispute.

It appealed to the Chief Justice to demonstrate, through practical action, that the welfare of Judicial Service staff remained a priority.

“The staff are part of the Judiciary’s institutional family. Their concerns are not an inconvenience to be managed or a problem to be transferred to Government,” it added.

Government urged to address salary review concerns

The Caucus further questioned why the outstanding salary review issues remained unresolved despite Government’s repeated assurances of economic recovery.

While acknowledging the fiscal constraints facing the country, it said economic recovery should translate into improved conditions for ordinary workers.

“Economic recovery must mean something to ordinary working people,” the petition stated.

It maintained that the workers were not demanding privileges beyond the State’s capacity but were seeking the resolution of legitimate employment-related concerns.

Minority warns against undermining judicial independence

The Minority also raised concerns about the implications of the dispute for judicial independence and the separation of powers.

It argued that the Chief Justice must demonstrate a firm commitment to the fair consideration of staff concerns and ensure that the Judiciary’s institutional interests are not subordinated to the convenience of the Executive.

“The separation of powers must be demonstrated, not merely declared,” the petition said.

The Caucus stressed that an independent Judiciary must also protect the welfare and dignity of the staff whose work supports the justice system.

The Minority warned that the continued strike was taking a toll on members of the public who depend on the courts for timely resolution of disputes.

It cited cases involving child custody, property disputes, business claims and individuals whose liberty depends on timely hearings as examples of the consequences of prolonged disruption.

“Justice must not suffer indefinitely because a labour dispute is unresolved, and those who administer it must not be left feeling unheard and undervalued,” it stated.

The Caucus said both the welfare of judicial staff and the public’s access to justice must be protected.

The Minority has called on President Mahama and Government to treat the impasse as an urgent national matter and direct the relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, to engage JUSAG immediately.

It also urged the Chief of Staff and Jubilee House to coordinate high-level engagements to prevent the matter from being delayed between ministries.

The Caucus called on the Speaker and leadership of Parliament to facilitate urgent discussions through parliamentary leadership and committees, while exercising oversight.

It further appealed to the Chief Justice and Judicial Service Management to intensify engagements with Government and JUSAG leadership over staff welfare.

JUSAG and SSAJUG were also urged to remain committed to constructive engagement while pursuing a fair settlement.

The Caucus said the dispute could be resolved through responsible leadership and urged all parties to prioritise a settlement that respects workers’ legitimate demands while restoring the smooth administration of justice.

It pledged to use parliamentary engagement, oversight and public advocacy to press Government to address the concerns of Judicial Service staff.

“The Minority Caucus will use all legitimate means available to it, including parliamentary engagement, oversight and public advocacy, to nudge the government until the plea of JUSAG is heard,” the petition stated.

The Caucus said it wanted judicial workers to return to their offices knowing their concerns had been heard and their dignity respected.

It also expressed hope that the public would soon be able to access the courts without further disruption.

“A country cannot claim to uphold justice while the people who help deliver it feel that justice has been denied to them,” the petition concluded.