Chief Justice Paul Baffoe‑Bonnie addressed the World Mental Health Day celebration at the Court Complex in Accra, urging employers to create workplaces that actively reduce stigma against people with mental health conditions. The speech, read by Supreme Court Judge Sophia Rosetta Bernasko‑Essah, highlighted the need for compassionate, accessible healthcare and institutional policies that prioritise mental well‑being.
Speaking under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” the Chief Justice noted that fear of judgement or exclusion often forces individuals to hide their struggles. He called on the public to listen without prejudice and to let those experiences shape policy design, support mechanisms and responses to those in difficult periods.
He acknowledged the demanding environment of the Judicial Service, where staff routinely face conflict, trauma, loss, crime and family disputes that can impact mental health. “Mental well‑being is not peripheral; it is essential to a healthy, effective and human workplace,” he said. He urged the creation of an institutional culture where seeking help is not seen as weakness.
Chief Justice Baffoe‑Bonnie emphasized that the well‑being of judicial officers and staff is vital to an effective justice system, requiring clear, integral and compassionate performance. He highlighted the benefits of screening and mental‑health assessments for prevention, early recognition and timely intervention. “We must move from merely sympathising with people experiencing mental health challenges to creating systems of support,” he added.
He called on workplaces to sustain conversations on mental health, encourage colleagues to look out for one another and promote professional help‑seeking. The programme also included screening for chronic medical conditions and mental‑health assessments.
