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 National Media Commission has appointed Dr Isaac Okpoti Nai as the new Managing Director of New Times Corporation, publishers of Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers.
In an engagement with staff of the Corporation today, June 5, 2026, Dr.Nai, expressed his appreciation to everyone for holding the forth and contributing to the growth of the company.
He said, his leadership philosophy is based on professionalism, integrity and team work.
The new Managing Director said, he will be on a journey which would require everyone to take ‘ownership’.
” You need to work as though the company belongs to you. You are not doing it for me, take ownership, let’s work as a team,” he stressed.
With this, he said “we will be able to grow and sustain NTC. Let’s respect deadline and time.”
Dr.Nai pleaded with the staff to play their roles effectively to add value to NTC.
The Board led by Prof Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo expressed his excitement and wished the new MD and staff well in the years ahead.
The Chairperson of the Interim Management Committee, Dr.Charity Binka urged the staff to give the new MD their utmost support to help him succeed.
The appointment dated June 5, 2026, was done by the National Media Commission (NMC) In consultation with His Excellency the President of Ghana.
The appointment is in accordance with Article 168 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and section 2(1)(e) of the National Media Commission Act, 1994 (Act 449).
Dr. Isaac Okpoti Nai is a management executive, academic, and corporate leader with over 25 years of professional experience spanning financial management, corporate governance, strategic planning, internal audit, risk management, and organisational development across Ghana and the United Kingdom,.
Before this appointment, Dr. Nai served as General Manager, Finance and Administration at the State Housing Company Limited.
Dr.Nai has held senior leadership positions with the Ghana Integrity Initiative (Transparency International Ghana), Central Region Development Commission, London Borough of Croydon, London Borough of Merton and Ananemantey & Co. His experience covers both public and private sector institutions, including donor-funded organizations, local government authorities, financial institutions, and higher education establishments.
As an academic, he has lectured in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, and Management, contributing to the development of future business leaders and professionals.
Dr. Nai holds a Doctor of Business Administration (Financial Management) from Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom, an MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from the University of Greenwich, and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICA).
Throughout his career, Dr. Nai has been recognised for strengthening financial controls, improving organisational performance, leading transformational initiatives, and providing strategic leadership that delivers sustainable growth and value creation.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
MomsConnectGH marks Mental Health Awareness Day and Mother’s Day with donation to Accra Psychiatric Hospital
As part of activities to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Day and Mother’s Day, MomsConnectGH last Saturday organised a donation drive to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital under its outreach initiative, The Hannah Project.
The initiative formed part of the organisation’s broader commitment to supporting vulnerable groups in society while creating awareness around mental health challenges, particularly those affecting women and mothers.
The donation included essential supplies and welfare items for patients at the hospital.
Speaking during the donation, Co-Partner of MomsConnectGH, Elizabeth Owusu-Boadi, said the initiative was inspired by the need to show compassion and support to people facing mental health challenges, especially women and mothers.
She noted that many women continue to struggle silently with mental health conditions such as postpartum depression.
“Postpartum depression is one of the mental health issues many women go through, yet it is not spoken about enough. Many mothers suffer in silence because of stigma, lack of awareness, and limited support systems,” she said.
Mrs Owusu-Boadi explained that the decision to visit the Accra Psychiatric Hospital was intentional and aimed at reminding patients that they are loved, valued, and not forgotten.
“We wanted to come here not just with donations, but with kindness, hope, and support for the patients and staff here,” she added.
She also called on the government, civil society organisations, and private institutions to increase support for psychiatric healthcare facilities across the country.
“Mental healthcare is just as important as physical healthcare. We all have a role to play in supporting mental health institutions and creating more awareness around these issues,” she stated.
Head of Public Relations at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Peggy Asiedu Ekremet, thanked MomsConnectGH for the gesture and encouraged the public to pay more attention to mental health.
“Mental health issues can affect anyone. Seeking help is a sign of strength and not weakness. We encourage people to speak up and seek professional support when they need it,” she said.
MomsConnectGH said The Hannah Project forms part of its broader mission to build a supportive community for mothers while impacting lives positively through outreach and wellness initiatives.
The group also expressed appreciation to all individuals, partners, and organisations who contributed to the success of the donation exercise.
