Gov�t Lawyers Still On Strike

Thirteen days after they embarked on an indefinite strike, lawyers in the Attorney Generals Department in the Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions are still on strike following the delay in the payment of their allowances. The lawyers embarked on an indefinite strike on October 8 in demand for the payment of their accrued allowances in the last two years. They claim �the issuance of several petitions and notices for the [payment of these] monies yielded no results, not even acknowledgement of the petitions.� The situation has led to the total halt in prosecution of criminal and civil cases on behalf of government in the two regions. According to them, government assurances to pay their allowances have not materialized hence their decision to continue with the strike. Spokesperson for the State Attorneys, Michael Baafi, told Citi News the situation could worsen if nothing is done immediately. �We�ve not resumed because our demands have not been met. They came and made promises but no time was given as to when we are going to be paid so we did not agree to the request from government,� he indicated. He added that the strike �has stalled all progress in the criminal matters and all matters that involve the government of Ghana. The earlier we have our differences settled; I think it will all help in delivery of justice in the country.�