Mental health experts and advocates have raised fresh concerns about the dangerous effects of stigma on mental health treatment in Ghana, warning that ignorance, fear, and misinformation continue to delay critical care and worsen outcomes for those suffering.
Psychiatrist and Deputy Head of Communications at the Mental Health Authority, Josephine Stiles Darko, warned that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to mental health treatment in the country.
Speaking at a mental health awareness forum organised by the University of Ghana (UG) Careers and Counselling Centre in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson, she noted that widespread myths and misinformation continue to fuel discrimination not just against individuals battling mental illness, but also their families.
“The biggest thing is stigma. There is still a lot of ignorance out there. The stigma is not just towards the individual suffering, but it extends to the entire family.”
The programme opened with remarks from Dr. Nana Yaa Brown, a staff member of the UG Careers and Counselling Directorate, who delivered a message on behalf of Professor Pinaman Appau, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Authority. Dr. Brown praised the collaboration with Johnson & Johnson, describing it as a much-needed intervention that could help destigmatise mental health care in Ghana.
“Knowledge, they say, is power, and that’s why I’m thrilled to see forums like this. Awareness and early recognition are key… so we can act early and prevent a crisis.”
Key UG officials in attendance included the Director of the Careers and Counselling Directorate, Reverend Bridget Benniah; Mr. Alex Raphael; and Clinical Psychologist Dr. (Mrs.) Gladys Setordzi.
A major highlight of the event was the panel discussion, which featured:
- Rev. Fr. A.A. Amponsah, Clinical Psychologist, UG Careers and Counselling Directorate
- Dr. Moses Nuwor, Psychiatrist, UG Health Services Directorate
- Dr. (Mrs.) Gladys Setordzi, Clinical Psychologist
- Josephine Stiles Darko, Psychiatrist and Mental Health Authority official
- Ms. Boakyewaa Glover, Mental Health Advocate
Dr. Moses Nuwor provided context on the concept of mental health and its direct relationship with one’s social, emotional, and functional well-being.
“Mental health is the state where one can relate well with others, cope with life’s stresses, work productively, and contribute meaningfully to their community. When these capacities are persistently lacking, accompanied by specific symptoms, we may diagnose a mental health disorder. Schizophrenia, for instance, is a chronic condition that affects how one thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions or hallucinations.”
Mental health advocate Ms. Boakyewaa Glover gave a moving personal testimony about her father’s mental health journey, describing how his condition deteriorated over time and the emotional toll it took on their family.
Dr. (Mrs.) Gladys Setordzi echoed the growing concern over stigma, highlighting how misinformation and societal perceptions continue to hinder early intervention.
“It still boils down to the stigma. Stigma has a way of destroying self-esteem and delaying help-seeking behaviour. To a large extent, we will talk about education because people don’t have the right form of information about these mental health challenges. Mental health disorders are treatable and manageable.”
The forum concluded with a call for stronger partnerships between institutions, mental health professionals, and the wider public to promote awareness, improve access to treatment, and equip the next generation with the knowledge and tools to prioritise mental well-being.
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Story by Edward Chika Ahiakwo|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
