The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on the Chief Justice to demonstrate firm support for striking Judicial Service workers and protect the independence of the Judiciary amid an unresolved dispute over the 2026 salary review.
In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, the Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions appealed for urgent and practical measures to address workers’ concerns, warning against allowing the interests of the Executive to undermine the Judiciary’s institutional independence.
“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 said.
The statement, signed by Frank Asiedu Bekoe, Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, was addressed to President John Dramani Mahama.
The appeal follows the ongoing strike by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), in collaboration with the Judicial Service Association of Ghana (SSAJUG), over unresolved concerns relating to the 2026 salary review.
According to the Minority, JUSAG announced on Sunday, November 8, that the industrial action would continue on Monday, following unsuccessful engagements with Judicial Service management and the government.
The caucus said the workers had become increasingly concerned that their institution was not adequately defending their welfare, with the government’s position seemingly receiving greater consideration than their concerns.
It therefore urged the Chief Justice to take a more active role in addressing the impasse.
“We appeal to the Chief Justice to show, in practical terms, that their welfare and dignity matter,” the statement said.
The Minority clarified that its appeal did not require the Chief Justice to accept every demand without scrutiny, but insisted that the concerns of Judicial Service staff deserved fair and serious consideration.
It also highlighted the critical role played by registry and administrative personnel in the administration of justice, warning that their welfare could not be overlooked.
“We must never allow the people who keep our justice system running to feel that they themselves have been denied justice,” the caucus stated.
Strike threatens access to justice
The Minority warned that the continued industrial action was affecting individuals and businesses awaiting the resolution of cases in court.
It cited custody disputes, property cases, commercial claims and hearings involving personal liberty as some of the matters potentially affected by the disruption.
The caucus called on the government and relevant ministries, particularly the Ministry of Finance, to engage JUSAG immediately and present a credible roadmap towards resolving the dispute.
It also urged the Presidency, Jubilee House, to coordinate efforts towards a settlement, while encouraging Parliament to facilitate urgent engagement between the parties.
The Minority further appealed to JUSAG and SSAJUG to remain committed to constructive dialogue and pledged to use its parliamentary oversight responsibilities and public advocacy to push for a resolution.
“The time for assurances without resolution is over. The time for meaningful action is now,” the statement concluded.
