Judicial workers in Ashanti join nationwide strike

Members of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Judicial Service Association of Ghana (JUSAG), have joined their counterparts in a nationwide indefinite strike action, to demand for the payment of outstanding allowances left unpaid for over one year.

Mr Solomon Deku, the Regional Chairman in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said, the strike has been triggered by government’s persistent failure, since July 2014, to meet legitimate demands for unpaid allowances due them.

He explained that personnel, including security officers, drivers, clerks and even senior officers, received meagre salaries, and it was the allowances (now outstanding) that cushioned them off against the current harsh economic situation.

The situation has led to the closure of the law courts and subsequent suspension of the hearing of court cases, and striking workers have vowed never to return to work until their demands have been met.

“Most of us have been affected psychologically and this is negatively impacting on our work output and the earlier the government responded the better",he added.

As at about 8:45 am when the Ghana News Agency visited the court premises, the main entrance to the court premises was locked with red bands tied to the gates. Some security staff of the courts also stood guard at the gates to prevent people from entering.

One court user summed up their frustration and said they had to pay for the lorry fare in and out to come to court only to be told that the courts are not sitting.

“As it is now I do not know when my case will be heard after missing this adjourned date”, he said worriedly.