Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has urged employers and public institutions in Ghana to establish supportive workplace environments where people experiencing mental health challenges can seek help without fear of stigma, discrimination, or exclusion. He emphasized that mental well-being must be treated as an essential part of a healthy and effective workplace. The Chief Justice made the appeal in a speech read on his behalf by Supreme Court Judge Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah at the 2026 World Mental Health Day celebration in Accra.
The event, organised by the Greater Accra Regional Health Service and the Judicial Service of Ghana, was held on the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said mental health discussions must move beyond statistics and diagnoses to recognise the lived experiences of affected people. He noted that fear of judgement and exclusion often prevents individuals from speaking openly about their struggles.
The Chief Justice observed that staff of the Judicial Service operate in a demanding environment, often dealing with conflict, trauma, loss, crime, and family disputes, which can affect their mental well-being. He stressed that seeking help should not be regarded as a sign of weakness. The well-being of judicial officers and staff was vital to an effective justice system, he added.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie suggested that screening for chronic medical conditions and mental health assessments could promote prevention, early detection, and timely intervention. He urged employers to sustain conversations on mental health, encourage colleagues to support one another, and promote professional help-seeking. The Chief Justice emphasized that society must move from merely sympathising with people experiencing mental health challenges to creating systems of support.
The Chief Justice's call to action is particularly relevant in Ghana, where mental health stigma remains a significant challenge. Many individuals struggling with mental health issues often face discrimination and exclusion, which can exacerbate their conditions. By creating supportive work environments, employers can play a crucial role in promoting mental health and well-being.
The 2026 World Mental Health Day celebration in Accra brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss mental health issues and promote awareness. The event provided a platform for individuals to share their lived experiences and advocate for change. The theme of the event, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” underscored the importance of listening to the voices of those affected by mental health challenges.
The Chief Justice's message is clear: employers must prioritise staff welfare and make professional mental healthcare more accessible. By doing so, they can help create a society that supports individuals with mental health challenges and promotes overall well-being. The Judicial Service of Ghana has taken a step in the right direction by organising the event and promoting mental health awareness among its staff.
Key points
- Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie urges employers to create supportive work environments for employees with mental health challenges.
- The Chief Justice emphasizes that mental well-being must be treated as an essential part of a healthy and effective workplace.
- The event aimed to promote mental health awareness and encourage employers to prioritise staff welfare and make professional mental healthcare more accessible.
