Rev. Prof. Samuel Oheneba Dornyo with other dignitaries
Institutions have been urged to prioritise the psychological well-being of their workers by establishing mental health support systems, to help improve employee welfare and enhance productivity.
President of the Oheneba Dornyo University College of Counselling Psychology (ODUCCP), Rev. Prof. Samuel Oheneba Dornyo, who made the call during the 11th graduation ceremony of ODUCCP in Accra, said neglecting mental health support could have serious consequences for institutions, including poor decision-making among workers, damaged relationships, reduced productivity and compromised safety.
“Every school, every university, every hospital, every church, every mosque, every workplace, every security agency and public institution should have access to qualified professional counsellors,” he stated.
Rev. Prof. Dornyo also expressed concern over recent cases of suicide involving people from different professional and social backgrounds, warning against actions and comments that could worsen the struggles of people experiencing mental health problems.
He said the recent death of a young professor of Ghanaian descent in the United Kingdom should remind people to be more careful in how they criticise, condemn and treat individuals who may already be struggling silently.
Rev. Prof. Dornyo noted that mental health challenges affect people regardless of their social standing, profession, education or spiritual background and, therefore, urged people to be cautious in their actions towards others.
“Mental health challenges are no respecter of persons. They may affect a president, a minister of state, a pastor, an imam, an academic, medical professional, business executive, security officer, spouses, students and unemployed persons. Everybody is at risk,” he added.
President and Founder of the Frimpong-Manso Institute, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, for his part, said “many people in Ghana appear strong outwardly while battling emotional difficulties internally.”
He noted that many young graduates face unemployment challenges and uncertainty, while families continue to deal with issues such as addiction, bereavement, trauma, chronic illness and financial challenges.
These realities, he explained, require trained minds, empathetic hearts, ethical practice and timely professional intervention.
Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso disclosed that counselling psychology therefore provided practitioners with the skills needed to protect lives, restore dignity and promote well-being through theories of human development, assessment methods, counselling techniques, research skills and ethical principles.
Rev. Prof. Frimpong Manso, a former Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, also urged counsellors to communicate professional knowledge in clear language and help communities understand that seeking counselling is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith.
“Seeking counsel is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith, but often a wise and courageous step towards healing. A timely conversation with a professional counsellor can restore hope, protect a family, preserve a career and, in some circumstances, save a life,” he added.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah