The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has asked government to expedite action on matters relating to the implementation of the consolidated salaries of members of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSSAG) as it appeals to the group to call off its indefinite strike.

A statement signed by the association’s president, Benson Nutsukpui, described the recurrent practice where labour issues are left unattended to as “unfortunate”.

JUSSAG declared a nationwide strike on Friday May 20, over consolidated salaries.

“The Bar views this development as unfortunate considering its adverse effect on the administration of justice in Ghana. The adjudication of cases nationwide has been rendered impossible and all work in our courts has virtually ground to a halt since the commencement of the strike action. The result is that citizens seeking justice in our courts are being deprived of the audience and adjudication that they deserve and have a right to,” the statement said.

GBA said it was concerned that the underlying cause of the strike, [that is] implementing the consolidation of salaries of JUSSAG members, has been long-standing and should have been definitely and conclusively resolved much earlier than now.

The statement said while the GBA sympathises with the cause of JUSSAG, the association was nonetheless concerned about the course of action and the unintended, yet grave consequences of the strike.

GBA has, therefore, appealed to members of JUSSAG to resume work while they empower their leaders with the moral authority to conduct the negotiations and pursue their legitimate claims on their behalf.

Meanwhile, the striking workers are meeting Employment and Labour Relations Minister Haruna Iddrisu today Tuesday May 24 over the impasse.