Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has called for stronger collaboration between management and staff of the Judicial Service, saying a productive relationship between the two is critical to effective justice delivery and maintaining public confidence in the judiciary.

He said trade unions and management in public institutions should not see themselves as opposing forces, but as partners with a shared responsibility to ensure quality service delivery.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie made the call at the Catholic University College at Fiapre in the Bono Region, where he delivered the keynote address at the opening of the 2nd Quadrennial Delegates Congress of the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service of Ghana (SSAJUG).

The Congress was held on the theme: “Trade Unionism in the Service: Partnering Management for Quality Justice Administration.”

The Chief Justice said the Judicial Service could not effectively discharge its constitutional mandate without a motivated, fairly treated and professionally committed workforce.

He therefore cautioned against a relationship between management and staff characterised by persistent confrontation, stressing that constructive engagement was necessary to advance the interests of both employees and the institution.

“The relationship between management and staff ought therefore never to be one of permanent confrontation,” he said.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie urged delegates to use the Congress to reflect on the responsibilities of both management and staff towards strengthening the Judicial Service and improving its service to Ghanaians.

He emphasised that every employee of the Judicial Service, irrespective of position, contributed to how the public perceived the judiciary.

“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.

According to the Chief Justice, the conduct of judicial officers and staff in their everyday interactions with court users could either strengthen or erode 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 added.

Trade unions must contribute to institutional development

Also addressing the Congress, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo said the role of trade unions had evolved beyond the traditional function of protecting workers' interests in their dealings with management.

He said modern trade unionism should also contribute to institutional development, productivity, ethical conduct, innovation, accountability and improved service delivery.

According to him, unions must become active partners in strengthening the institutions in which their members work.

President of SSAJUG Marilyn Suttah, for her part, commended the management of the Judicial Service for ongoing reforms aimed at improving the conditions of service of staff.

She, however, challenged senior staff to demonstrate leadership and exemplary conduct in the discharge of their duties.

Mrs Suttah stressed the importance of professionalism, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility, noting that staff remained an integral part of the justice delivery system.

The Congress provides a platform for delegates to deliberate on issues affecting members of the association and explore ways of strengthening collaboration between management and staff to improve justice administration.