Over three million Ghanaians are living with mild mental health conditions, with an additional 600,000 experiencing severe conditions, according to Raphael Godlove Ahenu, CEO of the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF). Ahenu revealed these figures at the close-out and learning summit of the ‘Resilient City for Adolescents’ (RCA) project in Fiapre, Sunyani West Municipality, Bono Region, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize mental health nationally.
A Growing Mental Health Burden
The staggering numbers underscore a significant national mental health burden, with research indicating a widespread impact across the population. Ahenu emphasized that stress and socio-economic pressures are primary drivers behind the escalating mental health challenges in Ghana.
Many individuals suffer in silence due to pervasive stigma surrounding mental health issues. Coupled with limited access to professional care, this prevents many from seeking the help they desperately need.
The ‘Resilient City for Adolescents’ Project
The figures were shared during the concluding event of the three-year RCA project, an initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of adolescents in the Sunyani and Sunyani West Municipalities. GloMeF, in collaboration with the Indigenous Women Empowerment Network and Citizens Watch Ghana, secured a £300,000 grant from Fondation Botnar, facilitated by Ecorys United Kingdom, to implement the project.
Supported by consortium partners of the Healthy Cities for Adolescents Initiative, the RCA project focused on empowering young people to become active participants in their communities’ social, political, and economic life. The close-out summit served as a platform to evaluate the project’s successes, share valuable lessons learned, identify best practices, and showcase innovative adolescent-led initiatives.
Call for Legislative Action and Increased Resources
Ahenu strongly urged the government to expedite the passage of the mental health bill into law. He stated that the delay is significantly hindering efforts to improve mental health services and adequately protect vulnerable populations.
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