The Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions has urged Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to demonstrate firm support for striking Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) members and defend the independence of the Judiciary amid an ongoing dispute over the 2026 salary review.
The caucus called on the Chief Justice to take practical steps to protect the welfare and dignity of judicial staff, warning against any situation where the interests of the Executive appear to take precedence over those of the Judiciary.
“An independent Judiciary must not appear to subordinate its institutional interests to the convenience of the Executive. The separation of powers must be demonstrated, not merely declared,” the caucus stated.
Suhum MP and Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, made the remarks during an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.
The Minority’s call comes as members of JUSAG and the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (SSAJUG) continue their industrial action over unresolved concerns surrounding the 2026 salary review.
JUSAG announced on Sunday that its members would continue the strike after engagements with Judicial Service management and the government failed to yield a resolution.
According to the Minority, judicial staff are increasingly concerned that the institution they serve is not adequately defending their interests, while the government’s position appears to be receiving greater consideration than their welfare.
“We appeal to the Chief Justice to show, in practical terms, that their welfare and dignity matter,” the caucus added.
It acknowledged that the Chief Justice was not expected to accept every demand made by the workers without scrutiny but stressed that their grievances deserved fair and serious consideration.
The caucus also highlighted the critical role of registry and administrative personnel in the justice delivery system, noting that their contributions were essential to the effective functioning of the courts.
“We must never allow the people who keep our justice system running to feel that they themselves have been denied justice,” it said.
The Minority further expressed concern about the impact of the prolonged strike on members of the public who depend on the courts for the resolution of legal matters.
It identified child custody cases, property disputes, business claims and hearings involving personal liberty as some of the issues likely to be affected by delays resulting from the industrial action.
To resolve the impasse, the caucus called on the government and relevant ministries, particularly the Ministry of Finance, to urgently reopen discussions with JUSAG and provide a credible roadmap towards settling the dispute.
It also urged Jubilee House to coordinate efforts towards a resolution and called on Parliament to facilitate urgent engagements between the parties.
While encouraging JUSAG and SSAJUG to remain open to constructive dialogue, the Minority pledged to use its parliamentary oversight responsibilities and public advocacy to push for an amicable settlement.
“The time for assurances without resolution is over. The time for meaningful action is now,” the caucus stressed.
