By Jurors in Ghana have initiated an indefinite strike due to the government’s failure to fulfill its financial obligations.
The jurors clarified that their decision was prompted by the non-payment of their February 2023 allowance, as well as outstanding payments from July 2023 to May 2024, totaling 10 months’ worth of arrears.
In their statement, they argued that this situation has placed a significant financial strain on them, leading them to take this drastic action.
Expressing disappointment over the government’s failure to honor its commitment of payment in May, the jurors emphasized that the current circumstances have made it impractical for them to continue covering their transportation expenses to and from the court premises.
They highlighted the potential challenges that court cases may face as a result of their absence.
“We wish to respectfully bring to your attention that effective Thursday, May 16, 2024, jurors will be absent from jury duties The absence is due to the non-payment of our allowance for February 2023 and from July 2023 to May 2024, (10 month’s allowance in arrears).
“This situation has made it practically impossible for us to continue to pre-finance our transportation to and from Court premises.”
Read below the statement by the Jurors
We wish to respectfully bring to your attention that effective Thursday, May 16, 2024, jurors will be absent from jury duties
The absence is due to the non-payment of our allowance for February 2023 and from July 2023 to May 2024, (10 month’s allowance in arrears).
This situation has made it practically impossible for us to continue to pre-finance our transportation to and from Court premises.
We were promised May and upon follow up we have been told there is no money.
We regret any inconvenience our absence may have on the expeditious delivery of justice.
With the announcement of their strike, indictable court cases will be heavily affected since jurors will not be present for the hearings.
Cases such as the Joseph Boakye Danquah murder trial, Gregory Afoko trial, Kasoa teenage killers murder trial among others will be forced not to sit.
