Paul Baffoe-Bonnie orders Supreme Court sittings despite JUSAG strike

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has directed the Supreme Court to conduct its normal business on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, despite an indefinite nationwide strike by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG). The directive, announced by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, follows the commencement of the strike on November 2, which has already halted activities at various court levels. While the highest court is ordered to sit, the walkout has paralyzed lower courts and restricted access to several court premises, leading to significant disruptions in the administration of justice.

The industrial action was triggered by the government's failure to approve a 2026 salary review and the non-payment of 10 months of arrears. JUSAG leadership has maintained that the strike will remain in effect until their conditions are met, despite reports that the Ministry of Finance has approved the payment of salary arrears in installments through December 2026. The association is scheduled to meet with the Ministry of Labour to discuss their grievances, while Judicial Service management continues to engage with government stakeholders to resolve the underlying issues quickly.

The impact of the strike is visible across Ghana, with regional court complexes falling silent as staff stay away. In Kumasi, litigants and lawyers were left stranded as the Court of Appeal and High Courts were locked and draped in red cloth, a symbol of the staff's protest. Similar scenes were recorded at the Cape Coast Court Complex, where locked gates prevented all judicial activities, impacting not only litigants but also local vendors who depend on court traffic. Many court users have expressed frustration over the sudden suspension of hearings, particularly for urgent legal matters that remain unaddressed.

While the Chief Justice has ordered the Supreme Court to proceed with its sittings, concerns persist regarding the availability of essential support services normally provided by JUSAG members. These staff members are critical for the administrative and secretarial functions that allow the court to operate effectively. The Judicial Service has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the administration of justice and is seeking a prompt resolution to allow for the resumption of normal services nationwide.