He acknowledged the progress made over the past decade, particularly in integrating mental health services at various levels of care. This includes the creation of psychiatric wards in teaching and regional hospitals.

However, he highlighted that more work was needed to ensure mental well-being remains a priority in all sectors of society.

“Mental health is essential for my overall well-being, and sustainable development is unattainable without a robust mental health system,” he said.

Training

Dr Appah was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a Free Peer Counsellors Training Session for 400 volunteers in Accra recently, to serve as ambassadors and agents in promoting mental health awareness and education in Ghana.

It was organised by Zomujo, a non-profit organisation, in partnership with Zyptyk App and KGL Foundation.

It aimed to equip participants with essential techniques to address the growing demand for mental health support in the country.
 

Increased collaboration

He called for increased collaboration between NGOs, corporate organisations and educational institutions to actively promote mental wellness in workplaces and schools.

He explained that early intervention and support could help prevent the escalation of mental health issues, ensuring a healthier and more productive population.
 

Rationale

The Executive Director of Zomujo, Dr Teata Duet, said his organisation, which was borne from a personal experience, was focused on addressing mental health concerns early and preventing them from escalating into more severe issues.

"I lost a dear friend to suicide while in school; someone I had known since high school. As a friend, I kept wondering, was I there for him enough? Was I able to create a safe space for him to share his feelings?" he said.

Dr Duet, who has also faced his own psychological challenges, said Zomujo was committed to ensuring that mental health support was available for everyone, especially at the early stages, before problems become overwhelming.

He explained that the counselling was to train student volunteers as peer counsellors, combining their lived experiences with professional training to offer first-line mental health support.

Through the partnership with Zyptyk, he said users could access free peer counselling or discounted professional therapy via an app within 10 minutes.

"We want to address mental health concerns at the early stages—those moments of anxiety, depression, grief and loss—before they reach more severe levels as we see with people living on the streets," she said.