Chief Justice urges Judicial Service staff, management to work together
He said the effective administration of justice depends not only on judges, but also on the commitment, professionalism and cooperation of all staff within the Service.
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has urged management and staff of the Judicial Service to build a stronger working relationship in the interest of justice delivery.
He said the effective administration of justice depends not only on judges, but also on the commitment, professionalism and cooperation of all staff within the Service.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie made the remarks at the Catholic University College at Fiapre in the Bono Region during the opening of the 2nd Quadrennial Delegates Congress of the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service of Ghana.
The Congress was held on the theme: “Trade Unionism in the Service: Partnering Management for Quality Justice Administration.”
Addressing the delegates, the Chief Justice said trade unions and management should not operate as permanent opponents.
Rather, he said both sides must recognise that they serve the same institution and share responsibility for improving justice delivery.
“The relationship between management and staff ought therefore never to be one of permanent confrontation,” he said.
He noted that the Judicial Service cannot properly fulfil its constitutional mandate without a workforce that is motivated, fairly treated and committed to professional standards.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie therefore called for constructive engagement between staff and management on issues affecting employees and the institution.
He said the conduct of every worker within the Judicial Service shapes how the public sees the judiciary.
According to him, court users do not usually separate judges from registrars, clerks, administrators and other staff when assessing their experience with the justice system.
“The Ghanaian who walks into a Court does not distinguish between the Judge, the Registrar, the Clerk, or the Administrator. To that citizen, all of us together are the face of the Judiciary,” he said.
The Chief Justice warned that delays, discourtesy and unprofessional conduct can weaken public trust in the courts.
He added that small acts of dedication and professionalism can also strengthen confidence in the justice system.
“Every interaction matters. Every delay matters. Every act of courtesy matters. Every lapse of professionalism matters. And every act of quiet dedication, however small and unseen, strengthens or weakens the public’s confidence in the justice system,” he stated.
He urged delegates to use the Congress to reflect on how staff and management can work together to strengthen the Judicial Service.
Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, also addressed the Congress.
He said the role of trade unions has moved beyond simply defending workers in disputes with management.
According to him, modern trade unionism must also support institutional development, productivity, innovation, accountability and ethical conduct.
Dr Pelpuo said unions should become active partners in improving the institutions in which their members work.
President of SSAJUG, Marilyn Suttah, commended management of the Judicial Service for ongoing reforms aimed at improving staff conditions of service.
She, however, urged senior staff to show leadership, discipline and professionalism in their work.
Mrs Suttah said staff of the Judicial Service remain central to the justice delivery process and must approach their duties with responsibility.
The Congress is expected to give delegates an opportunity to discuss issues affecting members and explore ways of improving collaboration between staff and management.
