Chief Justice calls for supportive workplaces to address mental health stigma

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has urged employers to foster inclusive and supportive work environments to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. This call came during the World Mental Health Day event at the Court Complex in Accra on October 9, an occasion jointly organized by the Greater Accra Regional Health Service and the Judicial Service of Ghana. The event's theme, "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change," underscored the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues.

In his address, the Chief Justice emphasized the necessity of compassionate and accessible healthcare services, alongside policies that prioritize mental well-being. He noted that stigma and the fear of judgment or exclusion often deter people from openly discussing their mental health struggles, urging the public to listen to these experiences with empathy and without prejudice.

"We must listen with empathy; most importantly, we must let those experiences inform how we design policies, provide support, and respond to people going through difficult periods in their lives," he stated.

The Chief Justice stressed the importance of creating a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable seeking support without fear of judgment. "It is therefore important we recognize that mental well-being is not a peripheral matter; it is an essential part of a healthy, effective, and human workplace. We must therefore create an institutional culture in which seeking help is not regarded as a weakness," he added.

He highlighted that the mental well-being of judicial officers and staff is crucial for an effective justice system, enabling them to perform their duties with clarity, integrity, and compassion.

Furthermore, the Chief Justice advocated for mental health screening and assessments to prevent potential problems, identify issues early, and ensure timely intervention. He called for a shift from merely sympathizing with those facing mental health challenges to establishing systems of support. "As a society, we must move from merely sympathizing with people experiencing mental health challenges to creating systems of support," he urged.

He encouraged employers to keep conversations about mental health alive in the workplace, promote mutual support among colleagues, and ensure that staff feel at ease seeking professional help when needed.