Main entrance to the Kumasi High and Circuit courts closed
COURT PROCEEDINGS in Kumasi have been brought to a standstill following the indefinite strike by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), leaving scores of litigants stranded at various court premises.
The Kumasi High Court, Court of Appeal, Asokwa Circuit Court and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Court were among the facilities closed yesterday, Monday, November 2, 2026, as judicial service workers stayed away from work to press home their demands.
A visit by DAILY GUIDE to the courts revealed locked gates adorned with red banners announcing the industrial action, preventing litigants, lawyers and other court users from accessing the facilities.
Several litigants who had travelled from different communities for scheduled hearings and judgments were left disappointed, with some expressing fears that a prolonged strike could worsen the plight of people seeking justice.
Some of the affected litigants appealed to the government to urgently address the concerns of the striking workers, particularly their conditions of service, to ensure the uninterrupted administration of justice.
“If this strike continues for days, things will escalate in this country,” some of the frustrated litigants warned.
One of the affected litigants, Joyce Konama, whose case was scheduled for judgment at the High Court yesterday, expressed disappointment after travelling a considerable distance only to find the court locked.
She said she was unaware of the industrial action and appealed to the government to expedite negotiations with JUSAG to restore normal court operations.
“I didn’t know they were on strike today, and I am very worried after travelling all the way from my town to find the court closed. The government should fast-track negotiations on their conditions of service,” she said.
Strike
JUSAG declared an indefinite nationwide strike effective November 2, 2026, following delays in the approval of its proposed salary adjustments and related conditions of service.
The association is demanding approval of the revised salaries and allowances recommended by the Judicial Council, as well as payment of outstanding arrears covering January to October 2026.
The association’s General Secretary, Abdulai Yakubu, announced the industrial action at a press conference on Friday, October 30, 2026, directing members across the country to withdraw their services until their demands are addressed.
The strike has consequently affected court sittings and administrative services, raising concerns among litigants whose cases are pending before various courts.
Meanwhile, the Judicial Service management has appealed to the striking workers to return to work while engagements with the relevant government authorities continue.
The industrial action is expected to remain in force until an amicable resolution is reached between the government and JUSAG.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi