Judicial Service staff to embark on indefinite strike over unpaid arrears

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has given notice of its intention to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, January 19, 2026, over the non-payment of eight months’ salary arrears arising from the implementation of a 10 per cent base pay increase for 2025.

In a statement dated January 12, 2026, signed by the JUSAG National President, Samuel Afotey Otu, and addressed to the National Labour Commission, said the decision followed several engagements with the Ministry of Finance and the Government on the review of salaries and related allowances for employees of the Judicial Service for 2025.

The association said based on the understanding reached with the Government and in line with Article 149 of the Constitution, the President approved a 10 per cent base pay increase for Judicial Service workers for 2025, effective January 1, 2025.

“His Excellency the President of Ghana approved a base pay increase by 10 per cent for 2025 for Judicial Service workers effective 1st January 2025,” the statement said, adding that the approval was in line with adjustments granted to other public sector workers.

Implementation

JUSAG said unlike other public sector workers, the implementation of the 10 per cent base pay adjustment in related allowances for Judicial Service staff took effect in September 2025.

It said the delayed implementation was accompanied by assurances that the arrears covering January to August 2025 would be paid later.

Outstanding arrears

The association said further engagements with the Government resulted in an understanding that the arrears would be paid not later than the end of the 2025 fiscal year.

According to JUSAG, the government failed to honour the commitment to pay the arrears within the agreed period.

“Engagements and understanding reached were that payments were to be effected not later than the 2025 fiscal year. Unfortunately, the Government failed to honour its promise of paying the arrears in 2025,” the statement read.

Action taken

JUSAG said it wrote to the Judicial Council on December 16, 2025, requesting that the arrears be paid in December 2025.

The association said despite assurances from management in a response dated December 16, 2025, the arrears remained unpaid.

Members’ concerns

JUSAG said the non-payment of the arrears affected its members, particularly during the festive period when staff had expected the payment of the eight months’ arrears.

It said its members could no longer accept the situation, and that it was unable to accept further explanations from the Government.

JUSAG said its National Executive Council held an emergency meeting and resolved to embark on an indefinite strike beginning January 19, 2026.

It said the strike would remain in force until the demand for payment of the eight months’ salary arrears from January to August 2025 was fully met.