Chief Justice calls for efficient court administration to restore public trust
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has urged staff of the Judicial Service to prioritise efficiency and professionalism in court administration to strengthen public confidence in the Judiciary.
He warned that delays, misplaced case files and poor professional conduct could damage the reputation of the Judicial Service and weaken public trust in the justice system.
The Chief Justice made the call on Monday when he opened the second Quadrennial Delegates Congress of the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service of Ghana (SSAJUG) at Fiapre in the Bono Region.
The five-day congress is being held under the theme: “Trade Unionism in the Service, Partnering Management for Quality Justice Administration.”
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said the public often viewed judges and administrative staff as part of one institution, meaning the conduct of every employee had implications for the credibility of the Judiciary.
“When judges are being lambasted, particularly in the villages, it is not just the judges. It is the Judicial Service,” he said.
He described court administration as a critical component of justice delivery, noting that registrars, administrators, clerks, interpreters, bailiffs, accountants, information technology personnel and other staff provide the support required for courts to function effectively.
According to him, a judge cannot sit if the courtroom has not been properly prepared, just as a judgment cannot be delivered if the administrative processes supporting it are not effectively managed.
He said every delay, administrative lapse and interaction with a court user could influence how the public perceives the justice system.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stressed the importance of professionalism, particularly because people who go to court are often dealing with serious and difficult circumstances.
He cited cases involving loss of property, personal injury, marital disputes, child protection, failed commercial transactions and criminal allegations, saying courts often represent the final avenue for people seeking justice.
“Behind every case number is a human being waiting, often anxiously, for justice,” he said.
The Chief Justice also called for stronger collaboration between management and staff, urging management to ensure fairness, listen to workers' concerns and provide opportunities for professional development.
Labour Minister cautions against frequent strikes
The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, cautioned organised labour against resorting to strike action whenever their demands are not immediately addressed.
He said frequent industrial action could worsen the challenges facing the country and urged unions to sustain dialogue with management and government in seeking lasting solutions to legitimate concerns.
Dr Pelpuo said the quality of justice administration depended significantly on the calibre and commitment of human resources within the Judicial Service.
He argued that productivity in the Judiciary should not be measured solely by the number of cases handled but should also take into account the quality of judgments, accuracy of decisions, timeliness of case management, professional conduct and the protection of confidentiality and the integrity of the judicial system.
Staff exodus raises concern
The National President of SSAJUG, Suttah Marilyn E. Maureen, disclosed that several experienced senior staff had left the Judicial Service over the past three years to seek better opportunities abroad.
She warned that the departure of skilled and experienced personnel could affect the efficient administration of justice.
Mrs Maureen appealed to the Chief Justice and management to improve conditions of service and introduce measures to retain experienced staff.
She also called for the refurbishment of courthouses to provide Judicial Service employees with safer and more conducive working environments.