The Minority has called on the Chief Justice to support striking Judicial Service workers and uphold the Judiciary’s independence amid an ongoing disagreement over the 2026 salary review.
In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, the Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions urged the Chief Justice to take concrete steps to address the concerns of the affected staff and safeguard their welfare.
The Caucus cautioned against allowing the Executive’s interests to undermine the independence of the Judiciary.
“An independent Judiciary must not appear to subordinate its institutional interests to the convenience of the Executive. The separation of powers must be demonstrated, not merely declared.”
The statement was signed by Frank Asiedu Bekoe, Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, and addressed to President John Dramani Mahama.
The appeal comes amid an ongoing strike by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), in collaboration with SSAJUG, over outstanding concerns surrounding the 2026 salary review.
The statement noted that JUSAG had announced on Sunday, November 8, its decision to continue the strike on Monday following unsuccessful engagements with Judicial Service management and the government to resolve the outstanding concerns.
The Minority said the workers felt inadequately supported by their institution, adding that they believed the government’s position was being prioritised over their welfare and legitimate concerns.
“We appeal to the Chief Justice to show, in practical terms, that their welfare and dignity matter.”
The Caucus stressed that while the Chief Justice was not expected to accept all the workers’ demands without examination, their concerns must be given fair and meaningful consideration.
It further underscored the importance of registry and administrative personnel, noting that their contribution was essential to the effective functioning of the justice delivery system.
“We must never allow the people who keep our justice system running to feel that they themselves have been denied justice.”
The Minority cautioned that the prolonged industrial action was disrupting access to justice, particularly for people awaiting court decisions in matters involving child custody, property disputes, business claims and cases concerning personal liberty.
It urged the government and relevant ministries, particularly the Ministry of Finance, to engage JUSAG without further delay and present a credible roadmap towards resolving the dispute. The Caucus also called on the Presidency, at Jubilee House, to coordinate efforts towards a settlement, while urging Parliament to facilitate urgent discussions between the parties.
The Caucus urged JUSAG and SSAJUG to remain open to constructive dialogue, while pledging to use its parliamentary oversight responsibilities and public advocacy efforts to push for an amicable resolution of the impasse.
“The time for assurances without resolution is over. The time for meaningful action is now.”
