Chief Justice questions how state institutions were managed over past eight years

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has raised concerns about the management of Ghana’s state-owned institutions over the past eight years, pointing to recent improvements at the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF).

According to him, the reported performance of the two institutions under the current administration raises questions about how public resources were managed in previous years.

“Sometimes when we hear how well some state organisations are doing now, we wonder what we really have been doing in the past eight years,” he said.

The Chief Justice made the remarks during a courtesy visit to MIIF after visiting SSNIT earlier in the day.

He said the information presented to him during his engagement with SSNIT was particularly concerning, considering that the institution had, not long ago, been preparing to dispose of some of its major assets.

“The kind of things that we heard and what we were told, if you compare that to the fact that not too long ago, SSNIT was preparing to sell its prized assets like Labadi Pleasure Beach, you wonder how Ghana could have sunk so low,” he stated.

Mr Baffoe-Bonnie attributed the improved fortunes of state institutions to effective management, prudent use of resources and a commitment to serving the public rather than pursuing personal interests.

“I think maybe you have achieved all this through proper management and the use of resources and the recognition of the fact that we are not here for ourselves,” he said.

Public officials must focus on legacy

The Chief Justice urged managers of public institutions to consider the legacy they would leave behind, stressing that leadership positions come with an obligation to serve citizens.

“Whatever we should aim at is how we want to be remembered for the stewardship that we were given,” he said.

He further encouraged public officials to put the interests of citizens at the heart of their work, drawing parallels with the judiciary’s understanding of public service.

“We at the judiciary always say that power is for the people. The judicial power emanates from the people. We only exercise that power on their behalf. So whatever we do, we should have them in mind,” he said.

According to him, citizens’ perception of an institution is shaped from their very first interaction with it.

“Justice actually starts from when the processes are filed,” he noted.

Mr Baffoe-Bonnie explained that the conduct of frontline workers, including receptionists, could significantly influence how citizens perceive the institution and its ability to deliver quality services.

“Even the receptionist who receives you, how he talks to you will give you an impression as to whether justice is going to be delivered or not,” he said.

Chief Justice backs Mahama’s agenda

The Chief Justice also called on MIIF management to play its part in advancing President John Dramani Mahama’s development agenda.

He said the appointment of individuals to leadership positions by the President reflected the confidence placed in their ability to deliver on their respective mandates.

“If the old man has decided that you are the right person to be in this position out of the 30 million people, it means he has a lot of confidence in you. And so we should do everything to make sure that his agenda succeeds,” he said.

Mr Baffoe-Bonnie congratulated MIIF on what he described as its strong performance and encouraged management to maintain the momentum.

“I will congratulate you and encourage you to continue whatever has brought the success so far. Two per cent has yielded so much. I don’t know how well we don’t know the value of two per cent but you have done marvellously well,” he said.