Supreme Court Judge, Justice Gertrude A. E. Torkonoo, has stated that merely having a vision and mission statement for an organization is insufficient to ensure efficiency in the workplace.
She believes that effective communication, a clear culture of accepted regulations, and the efficient use of technology are some of the strategies that can lead to higher productivity at the workplace.
Justice Torkornoo, who has just been nominated for the role of Chief Justice, was speaking at a public lecture organised by the Institute of Works, Employment, and Society (IWES) at UPSA to commemorate this year’s May Day.
Speaking on the topic ‘Harnessing Good Work Ethics for Higher Productivity, Justice Torkornoo said workers must also apply ethical values in order to achieve improved productivity in their organisations.
“Communication increases understanding, and understanding increases cooperation and collaboration,” she said.
“Communication increases learning, and learning increases the capacity to achieve. It does not matter that communication is with regard to the most technical subject so long as it is presented in a clear, simple manner no technical subject needs to be considered as complicated for any member of a team in an institution.”
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof John K. M. Mawutor, expressed his gratitude to the renowned justice for accepting to share her rich insights and vast experience with the university community and the rest of the world.
He stated that the annual public lecture by IWES is a testament to the University’s commitment to academic excellence and intellectual discourse on important national issues.
Director of IWES, Dr. Mary Essiaw, said the May Day celebration provides a perfect opportunity for Ghanaian workers to reflect on their ethical conduct.
She stressed that while it is essential to protect the pensions of senior citizens and guard the income of active workers, the onus lies on the Ghanaian worker to exhibit good work ethics towards achieving higher productivity.
“To protect the income and pensions of workers, we have to be productive,” Dr Essiaw said. “And without good work ethics, all our efforts as workers geared toward productivity will come to nothing.”
The 2023 May Day public lecture was attended by some judges, academicians, staff, students, and representatives of the various labour unions, including the TUC and the National Media Commission.
