By Sarah Baafi
Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, says government is committed to resolving the concerns of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), even as it describes the association’s intended strike action as “regrettable.”
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said although the planned industrial action is undesirable, established mechanisms exist to deal with labour disputes.
“The JUSAG strike action is regrettable. It is not a desirable situation, but I am sure that there are long-established protocols and processes for addressing industrial actions, and these will be triggered to resolve whatever disputes or grievances have led to the threat of a strike or the strike itself,” he stated.
JUSAG has announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, January 19, 2026, should government fail to pay outstanding salary arrears owed to its members.
This decision was communicated in a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of the National Labour Commission and sighted by 3news.com.
In the letter, National President of JUSAG, Samuel Afotey Otu, described Judicial Service staff as critical public sector workers whose role is central to maintaining law, order, and national stability.
“Unfortunately, salary reviews for Judicial Service staff have consistently been fraught with challenges. We can no longer endure the hardship government has subjected our hardworking members to,” he said.
Mr Otu noted that expectations were particularly high in December 2025, when members anticipated the payment of eight months’ salary arrears.
“The festive month of December was one of the most difficult periods for staff who were hopeful of receiving the long-awaited eight months’ arrears to compensate for the struggles endured throughout 2025. Instead, they were met with shock and disappointment,” he explained.
According to him, the prolonged delays have exhausted the patience of members.
“We are no longer prepared to accept excuses. Consequently, the National Executive Council of JUSAG convened an emergency meeting and resolved to embark on an indefinite strike effective Monday, January 19, 2026. The strike will remain in force until the eight months’ salary arrears from January to August 2025 are fully paid,” the association warned.
JUSAG also referenced several engagements with government, including meetings with the Ministry of Finance and a letter from the Deputy Minister of Finance dated September 15, 2025, as well as subsequent follow-ups regarding salary reviews and related allowances.
Mr Otu said the failure of government to honour these commitments has further strengthened the union’s resolve to proceed with the strike.
He explained that in line with Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo approved a 10 per cent base pay increase for Judicial Service staff for 2025, effective January 1, 2025, consistent with increases granted to other public sector workers.
However, while the 10 per cent adjustment on related allowances was eventually implemented in September 2025, assurances that arrears from January to August 2025 would be paid before the end of the fiscal year were not fulfilled.
“Despite further correspondence in December 2025 to the Judicial Council and assurances from management that the arrears would be paid, the monies remain outstanding,” Mr Otu lamented.
He stressed that until government fully settles the arrears, JUSAG members remain resolute in their decision to withdraw their services.
