News
Ghana Youth Mental Health Survey begins October 9
In Ghana, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2020 estimated that about nine per cent of the population had some form of mental health issue, largely behavioural health-related especially among the youth.
Also, in 2022, a survey of Junior High School (JHS) students in the Greater Accra Region, (on suicide risk prevalence of JHS students in Greater Accra) revealed that one out of five students has experienced suicide ideation in the last 12 months.
There is therefore a critical need for comprehensive research on the mental health of Ghanaian adolescents to inform effective interventions and policies.
Consequently, starting October 9, the Ghana Youth Mental Health Survey (GYMHS), would be conducted across some regions of the country, to ascertain the mental health of Ghanaian adolescents and recommend solutions.
Led by US-based Ghanaian Assistant Professor at the University of Buffalo, New York, Dr Enoch Azasu, the study would be conducted in the Greater Accra, Volta, Eastern, Ashanti, Central and some Northern regions.
It will end on Friday, October 18 in the Ashanti Region.
According to Prof. Azasu, it was crucial to engage in this survey in order to support the mental well-being of the Ghanaian youth.
With support from the University of Buffalo School of Social Work, University of Ghana Department of Psychiatry, Youth Awake to Mental Health Ghana and Central University, the GYMHS, he explained, would be a nationally representative study designed to comprehensively understand the mental health status, risk factors, protective factors and the resource utilisation among JHS students in Ghana.
The survey, he added, would fall on the back of the 2022 study which found several socio-ecological and psychological correlations for suicide thoughts and behaviour which included suicide stigma, sexual intercourse, dating, hunger, substance use, stress, anxiety and depression.
He said, it was also essential to make the subject of mental health very common within society in order to nip the canker in the bud.
The survey he said, would highlight the gaps in mental health support systems and identify effective strategies for improving access to mental health resources in schools and communities.
He called on all stakeholders especially within the education sector to support the survey which would go a long way to safeguard the future of the Ghanaian youth.
“By supporting the GYMHS, schools can help gather valuable data that will provide a clearer understanding of mental health challenges faced by students. This survey will not only inform policy and intervention strategies but also ensure that the voices of young people are heard,” he stated.
By Michael D. Abayateye
The Accra High Court of Ghana has granted bail in the sum of GH¢30 million to Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, in a major development in his ongoing extradition case.
Abu Trica as part of the bail condition is expected to provide two sureties.
His lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, disclosed the decision in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, has been at the centre of a prolonged legal process to extradite him.
The latest ruling allows him temporary freedom while legal proceedings continue.
His legal team is expected to provide further updates on the next steps in court.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today commenced its second Zonal Public Hearing in Kumasi Ashanti Region to examine the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report on public schools and District Assemblies yesterday, April 20, 2026.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Committee, Abena Osei Asare noted that the Committee will consider four (4) Auditor – General’s reports, namely, District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) & Other Statutory Funds, The Accounts of District Assemblies for the Financial Year (IGF), Pre-University Education Institutions and lastly Colleges of Education in the year ending 31st December 2024.
She assured the various District Assemblies and other institutions invited to respond to infractions cited in the Auditor-General’s report that the Committee would be transparent in asking questions as well as granting opportunities to all to explain issues to the Committee.
Abena Osei Asare, allowed the Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Atta Mills to chair the sitting with the explanation that her government was in power then, therefore she could not chair over Auditor-General reports of 2024.
