Jurors in the Ashanti region have ended their strike following a productive meeting with the Chief Justice.
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has provided reassurance that necessary steps will be taken to prevent any further unnecessary delays in the disbursement of their allowances.
These jurors had been absent from court proceedings since November 6, as they sought to address the issue of their outstanding 15-month allowance arrears.
The engagement with the Chief Justice has successfully resolved the matter, leading to the cessation of the strike.
Addressing the jurors at the Court of Appeal complex in Kumasi, Justice Torkornoo promised to solve the delays in the payment of allowances.
“It is not unusual for allowances in public service to come late, we will take steps to do whatever we need to do to make sure that we don’t allow it to come later”.
The Chief Justice, however, earnestly urged the jurors to recognize the weight of their responsibility to the nation and to contribute to the swift administration of justice.
“I put it to you that this is not fair. We should do some balancing and be fair to our nation. Think of the remand prisoners. Think of the cost in bringing people to court. Think of those who are on bail, the trauma of having to keep coming to court. Think of all these people. So, come back to work tomorrow.” She said.
Foreman General of Jurors in Ashanti, Albert Ackah, told the media after the engagement that his members will surely return to work on Monday.
“We have agreed to resume our services. We are excited with her resolve to ensure our allowances are paid on time. This was what we were expecting long ago. For travelling all the way to Kumasi to engage us, that alone is a relief. So on Monday, we are coming to court.”
