Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has issued a compelling call to action, urging Ghanaians to prioritize mental health awareness and foster a culture of openness and support.
Recognizing the profound impact of silence on mental well-being, she emphasizes the need for collective effort to break down barriers and encourage individuals to speak up.
Mental health, she stresses, should be a topic of unhindered discussion, free from the shackles of stigma and taboo. Unfortunately, many young people continue to face isolation, misunderstanding, and stigma when grappling with mental health issues.
According to the World Health Organization, a staggering one in seven young people aged 10-19 experiences a mental health disorder, a crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s commitment to shattering the silence surrounding mental health is a beacon of hope.
Indeed,by normalizing conversations around mental well-being, encouraging peer-to-peer support, and spotlighting the mental health needs of young people, this initiative seeks to revolutionize the way Ghana approaches mental health.
Through this campaign, the Vice President aims to empower Ghanaians to prioritize their mental well-being, foster a culture of empathy and understanding, and ultimately, create a more supportive and inclusive society.