Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has successfully mediated the ongoing strike by jurors in the Ashanti region. The jurors, who had abandoned their duties since the beginning of November 2023, citing unpaid allowances, have now agreed to return to work on Monday, 20th November 2023, following a constructive meeting with the Chief Justice.
The strike, prompted by the jurors’ demands for unpaid allowances, had caused disruptions in legal proceedings, including cases of murder and other high-profile matters in the Ashanti region. Despite the government releasing funds to cover three out of the thirteen months owed to them, the jurors stood firm, claiming the available funds were insufficient.
Chief Justice Torkornoo, during her visit to Kumasi to address the issue, expressed her commitment to resolving the matter urgently. The intervention came in response to a Citi News report that highlighted the plight of the jurors.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by jurors working in multiple courts, she assured them that steps would be taken to prevent such situations and emphasized the importance of timely payment of allowances in the public sector.
The Chief Justice urged the jurors to resume work on Monday, assuring them that their allowances would be paid in November, and measures would be implemented to prevent further delays. She acknowledged the irregularities in the system and vowed to address them promptly, emphasizing the need to ensure that the juror system operates efficiently.
Albert Ackah, the general foreman for the jurors in the Ashanti region, expressed gratitude for the Chief Justice’s intervention. He confirmed the jurors’ commitment to returning to their duties on Monday, highlighting their anticipation for the prompt payment of allowances. Ackah commended the Chief Justice for addressing their concerns and pledged the jurors’ dedication to fulfilling the duties assigned by the state.
