Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has urged employers in Ghana to create supportive workplaces that reduce stigma against people with mental health conditions. He made the appeal in a speech read on his behalf by Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah at the World Mental Health Day celebration in Accra. The event was organized by the Greater Accra Regional Health Service and the Judicial Service of Ghana.
The Chief Justice emphasized that mental health discussions should go beyond statistics, diagnoses, and treatment to recognize the experiences of affected individuals. He noted that stigma and fear of judgment or exclusion have caused some people to conceal their struggles. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie urged the public to listen to those with mental health conditions without prejudice and to let their experiences inform policy design and support.
The Judicial Service, where the Chief Justice works, operates in a demanding environment that can affect staff mental well-being. Exposure to conflict, trauma, loss, crime, and family disputes can take a toll on employees. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stressed that mental well-being is essential to a healthy, effective, and humane workplace. He called for an institutional culture where seeking help is not regarded as a weakness.
The Chief Justice highlighted the importance of the well-being of judicial officers and staff to an effective justice system. He noted that a healthy workforce is capable of discharging duties with clarity, integrity, and compassion. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also emphasized the need for screening and mental health assessments to promote prevention, early recognition, and timely intervention.
The World Mental Health Day celebration included screening for chronic medical conditions and mental health assessments. The event's theme, "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change," aimed to amplify the voices of those with mental health conditions. The program provided a platform for people to share their experiences and for stakeholders to discuss ways to address mental health challenges.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie urged workplaces to sustain conversations on mental health, encourage colleagues to look out for one another, and promote professional help-seeking. He emphasized that society must move from sympathizing with people experiencing mental health challenges to creating systems of support. The Chief Justice's call to action aims to promote a culture of understanding and support for mental health.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including judicial officers, health professionals, and government officials. The Chief Justice's message resonated with the audience, who recognized the importance of addressing mental health stigma in the workplace and society at large. The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting mental well-being and supporting those affected by mental health conditions.
Key points
- Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie urges employers to create supportive workplaces to reduce stigma against people with mental health conditions.
- The Judicial Service aims to create an institutional culture where seeking help for mental health is not regarded as a weakness.
- The World Mental Health Day celebration in Accra included screening for chronic medical conditions and mental health assessments.
