Ghana Law Society Calls for Urgent End to Judicial Service Strike

The Ghana Law Society (GLS) has appealed to government and two unions representing court workers to settle their dispute quickly, saying the industrial action has brought the delivery of justice nationwide to a halt.

The call was directed at government, the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) and the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service of Ghana (SSAJUG), as first reported by Citi News.

The strike started on 2 November 2026. According to the Society, it has disrupted the work of the courts, with effects felt by litigants, accused persons, lawyers, businesses and ordinary citizens who rely on the judiciary.

In a statement dated 9 November, the GLS said government needed to show a sense of urgency and commitment in dealing with the grievances behind the strike. It asked the ministries and state bodies concerned to hold constructive talks with the leaders of both associations and the Judicial Service, with the aim of reaching a settlement that all sides can accept and that will last.

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"We therefore call on Government, the Judicial Service, JUSAG and SSAJUG to treat this matter as one of urgent national importance and take all necessary steps to bring the industrial action to an end without further delay," the statement said.

The Society also asked the two associations to stay open to genuine dialogue and to take up any reasonable chance of a friendly settlement, for the sake of the justice system and the public.

It urged all parties to return to the negotiating table at once, to negotiate in good faith, and to set a clear timetable for settling the outstanding issues and getting the courts working normally again.

The GLS said it was particularly worried about vulnerable people affected by the shutdown. These include people held in custody, parents seeking orders on custody or maintenance, those with urgent applications, and people trying to enforce their fundamental human rights.

According to the Society, a long disruption of court services could weaken public trust in the justice system and limit people's ability to obtain timely remedies from the courts.

The GLS acknowledged that workers are entitled to press legitimate labour demands through lawful strike action. However, it said the broader consequences for the public of keeping judicial services suspended must also be taken into account.

The Society further stressed that the administrative, technical and support staff of the judiciary are essential to its effective operation, and said their welfare and conditions of service deserve proper consideration.

"The welfare, working conditions and legitimate concerns of these personnel must therefore receive the attention they deserve," the statement said.

The GLS said it stood ready to back any constructive engagement or initiative intended to help break the deadlock.

"Justice delayed is justice denied. The people of Ghana deserve a fully functioning justice delivery system," the statement added. It was signed by the Society's Director of Communications, L. A. Apanga.