NLC summons JUSAG and Finance Ministry to talks over planned court staff strike

The National Labour Commission (NLC) has summoned the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), the Ministry of Finance and other relevant parties over an impending nationwide strike by judicial service staff.

Per the notice, all sides are expected to appear before the Commission on Wednesday, 21 January 2026 – two days after JUSAG has threatened to lay down tools on Monday, 19 January.

The NLC has, in the meantime, advised JUSAG to suspend the planned industrial action and honour the invitation for a hearing on the dispute.

In a letter dated 12 January 2026, JUSAG’s National Executive Council announced plans for an indefinite strike if eight months of salary arrears are not paid.

The arrears arise from a 10% adjustment in base pay for 2025, which was to take effect from 1 January 2025. JUSAG says, although the increase was eventually reflected in salaries from September 2025, arrears covering January to August 2025 remain outstanding.

The association insists its members will not resume work until the full eight months’ arrears have been settled.

In the statement, signed by National President Samuel Afotey Otu, JUSAG said its members are exhausted by what it describes as repeated delays and broken promises over salary adjustments.

The NEC lamented that judicial staff, who serve in the third arm of government and are essential to maintaining law, order and stability, endured a particularly difficult December 2025 after expecting the arrears to be paid before the festive period – only to be disappointed.

According to the statement, the association can no longer accept further explanations or excuses from government, and has therefore resolved that:

An indefinite nationwide strike will commence on Monday, 19 January 2026; and

The action will continue until all eight months of arrears are fully paid.