Finance Ministry approves 10 months’ salary arrears for Judicial Service staff

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The Ministry of Finance has approved the payment of ten months of outstanding salaries and allowances owed to Judicial Service staff and members of the Lower Court Bench.

The arrears, which resulted from the implementation of new conditions of service, will be settled in two instalments. The first payment, covering January to May 2026, is expected in November, while the second, covering June to October 2026, will be made in December.

In a letter dated November 2, 2026, and signed by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Ministry instructed the Controller and Accountant-General to implement the approved payments.

The Ministry explained that the new conditions of service were approved by the President under Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution and came into effect on January 1, 2026.

The approval comes as the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) continues its strike, which has disrupted operations at several courts across the country.

The Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Accra Circuit Court and some District Court offices have been shut, with security personnel preventing access to the premises.

Supreme Court schedules sitting

Despite the ongoing disruption, the Office of the Judicial Secretary has announced that the Supreme Court will hold its regular sitting on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

A notice issued on Monday, November 2, said the Chief Justice had directed the Court to proceed with its scheduled business.

The notice, signed by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, informed lawyers and parties involved in cases before the Court about the arrangement.

It stated that, following the Chief Justice’s directive, the Supreme Court would convene for its normal proceedings on Tuesday, November 3.

Lawyers and parties with cases scheduled for the day were advised to take note and make the necessary arrangements.

The Finance Ministry’s approval marks a major development amid the industrial action. However, the letter does not clarify whether the payment plan addresses all of JUSAG’s demands or whether the association will call off its strike.