Despite the public health attention raised in recent years, the stigma and misunderstanding of mental health issues continue to negatively impact individuals and their families, affecting their home lives, workplace productivity, and community involvement. To address these challenges, all WHO Member States, including Ghana, are committed to implementing the “Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030.” This plan aims to improve mental health through strengthened leadership and governance, comprehensive and responsive community-based care, promotion and prevention strategies, and enhanced information systems, evidence, and research.

Mental health is a journey, constantly evolving through different stages of life. From childhood to adulthood, various challenges and experiences shape our well-being. Early support, positive environment, and healthy coping strategies can build resilience, while neglect, stress, and isolation can undermine mental health.

By recognizing the importance of mental well-being at every stage (i.e. childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and late adulthood), we can take proactive steps to nurture it. Investing early in our mental well-being promotes a more fulfilling lifestyle and prevents long-term struggles.

Let’s prioritize mental well-being to create and cultivate a psychologically safe and supportive community to empower individuals to thrive at every stage.

Mission: To contribute to the wellbeing of all people living in Ghana by promoting mental health and involving all sectors of the society through human rights approach.

Vision: Ensuring quality mental health care for all persons commensurate with Ghana’s middle-income status.

Goals: To provide the strategic direction and a framework for the implementation of the ten-year Mental Health Policy (2018- 2027), and to set parameters for achieving its vision.

The Department of Psychiatry at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital aims to be the leading center for excellence, diversity, and innovation in mental health care, training, research, and advocacy. Their mission is to provide the highest quality psychiatric care with respect and dignity, ensuring sustained quality of life through evidence-based practices.

The Department of Psychiatry of University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS) excels in innovative mental health research and training for medical students, doctors, psychologists, residents, and other professionals. The Head of Department leads efforts to demystify psychiatric and psychological illnesses through evidence-based teaching, emphasizing a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach. The curriculum focuses on contemporary mental health care policy and development. Their core values include integrity, commitment, loyalty, respect, ethical behavior, compassion, equality, and justice. By upholding these principles, the department aims to dispel myths and empower students and clients with rigorous, evidence-based education on mental disorders.

The Psychiatric Association of Ghana is a professional organization comprising psychiatrists in Ghana. It collaborates with the Mental Health Authority, Ghana Health Service, and the Medical and Dental council. The Association fosters working relationships with specialist sections of the Ghana Medical Association, non-governmental mental health organizations in Ghana, other African psychiatric associations, the World Psychiatric Association, WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO, and other relevant national and international bodies.

Labadi Beach Hotel, Ghana’s Premier five-star Hotel is set amidst tropical landscaped gardens and in close proximity of 8.7 kilometers (10 minutes’ drive) to both Kotoka International Airport and the Central Business District. The hotel is located adjacent Ghana’s most popular Pleasure Beach and boasts of a well-maintained private beach with 24 hours security surveillance, offering colorful cocktails and bites as you watch the sunset.

Create a psychologically safe community by fostering open dialogue and emotional resilience and provide access to mental health resources. Specifically in the following age groups: Children, Young Adults, Adults, and the Elderly.

Ensure there is a broader understanding and recognition of the importance of mental well-being within our community.

Promote mental health advocacy/policy creation and provide ways to support individuals facing mental health challenges.

Help dispel myths and misconceptions about mental illnesses, reducing the stigma associated with them.

Sponsoring this initiative supports the adoption and renovation of a ward at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, creating a more comfortable and dignified environment for patients. This effort aims to enhance their well-being, provide better living conditions, and foster a sense of care and belonging.

Hands-on interactive workshops with Mental Health Professionals focused on various aspects of mental well-being. These sessions will provide practical strategies and valuable insights into maintaining a healthy state of mind, managing stress, and improving overall mental resilience.

A mix of expert-led insightful discussion and relaxation sessions to offer attendees a soothing mind experience to be made up of the following:

• A Keynote Address led by the Convener.
• A Panel Discussion This will feature a panel of experts sharing their insights on mental well-being across different life stages, focusing on:

1. Children & Young Adults: Fostering emotional resilience and confidence.
2. Adults: Providing intervention strategies to maintain work-life balance and productivity.
3. The Elderly: Addressing challenges such as transitioning into retirement, cognitive health, and maintaining mental well-being during retirement.

Alongside the panel discussion, children between the age of 5 – 12 will participate in fun, educational, and enriching experiences designed for emotional resilience and confidence building by child psychologists and educators.

The Conveners along with their Accountability Partner will present the proceeds of the fund drive to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital and Construction Firm for the refurbishment of the adopted ward at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.

Feedback from various workshops to share with the larger audience on the various issues discussed will offer attendees insight on all topics discussed.

Sponsoring this event contributes to fostering a culture where mental health conversations are normalized. By increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging individuals of all age groups to seek support if needed, we can promote healthier lifestyle choices.

Sponsoring this initiative supports the adoption and renovation of a ward at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, creating a more comfortable and dignified environment for patients. This effort aims to enhance their well-being, provide better living conditions, and foster a sense of care and belonging.

Demonstrating a commitment to mental health positions your company as a socially responsible entity, which amplifies your company’s image and reputation.

Access networking opportunities with other businesses, mental health professionals, and organizations, fostering beneficial partnerships.

As mental health becomes increasingly critical on a global scale, actively supporting mental health initiatives positions your company ahead of the curve, while securing the mental stability of your employees.

On October 10, 2024, VINT & Aletheia, Attorneys and Consultants, in collaboration with the Mental Health Authority, the Department of Psychiatry at Korie Bu Teaching Hospital, the University of Ghana Medical School, and the Psychiatric Association of Ghana hosted the inaugural Wholesome Mind Summit at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.

The summit brought together mental health professionals, advocates, and industry leaders to address the critical issue of mental health, with a particular focus on the workplace.

Opening Address: Delivered by Mrs. Lady-Ann Essuman, highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace and the objectives of the summit. She stated that “We believe that mental health issues can significantly impact productivity, teamwork, and overall happiness.”

Keynote Speech: Prof. Pinaman Appau emphasized the Mental Health Authority’s strong commitment to fostering safe spaces that support employees’ mental and emotional well-being. She encouraged employers, policymakers, and individuals to “Seize the opportunity to cultivate a culture of mental wellness; where people feel safe to share their struggles and have access to the support they need.”

The Guest Speaker: The former First Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo graced the summit as the special guest speaker, and commended the organizers for advocating for mental health. She emphasized that the future of mental health in Ghana is a shared responsibility, stating that, “We cannot wait for change to come from others-it must begin with each one of us, right here, right now. Together, step by step, we can build a healthier and more compassionate society.”

Panel Discussion: The Panel was composed of a Human Resource Professional, Lawyer, International Clinical Psychologist, and Psychiatrist, who were engaged in an insightful discussion on the relevance of good mental health in the workplace and the need for policy generation to ensure mental wellness in our community, amongst other things.

Workshops: Participants engaged in 10 interactive breakout sessions on the following topics: psychological safety, sleep and exercise, stress management, work-life balance, building self worth, emotional intelligence, taking breaks, conflict within the work place, identifying mental health signs & symptoms in the workplace and resilience. These sessions were facilitated by 13 Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists.

Attendees experienced a relaxing atmosphere on the beach, where they networked with industry professionals and mental health advocates. The experience featured a comedy session, music, a dynamic dance performance by the DWP dance academy, and a cocktail, fostering an inclusive and energetic atmosphere for building connection and mental well-being.

The summit was attended by two hundred and fifty (250) participants from diverse backgrounds, including corporate executives, mental health professionals, entrepreneurs, and students.

The summit received positive feedback from attendees, who appreciated the focus on mental health education, practical solutions, and open dialogue.

The Wholesome Mind Summit represents a significant step towards addressing mental health issues in Ghana. The maiden edition successfully achieved its goal of raising awareness, enhancing understanding, promoting advocacy and policy generation such as the inclusion of four mental health conditions to the National Health Insurance Scheme of Ghana and the decriminalization of attempted suicide by the Criminal Offences Amendment Act, 2023 (Act 1092).

We invite you to join us at the Wholesome Mind Xperience to learn, share, and advocate for a psychologically safe community for all.