News
Prioritise mental health issues at workplace
Prof Ohene
Discrimination, inequality, excessive workloads, low job control and job insecurity exposes workers to some risks of developing mental health problems, a Consultant Psychiatrist, Professor Sammy Ohene, has stated.
According to him, mental health issues among workers could also lead to absenteeism and ‘presenteeism’ which affects both the individual and the organisation
He defined ‘presenteeism’ as being present but not fully productive while absenteeism was when one is missing at work.
Prof. Ohene said this at a programme organised by the Department of Psychiatry of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on the theme: ‘it’s time to prioritise mental health at the workplace.’
According to the Consultant Psychiatrist, high workloads, tight deadlines and long hours can lead to chronic stress and burnout, causing fatigue, irritability, and decreased productivity, adding that work related pressures such as job insecurity, lack of control and workplace conflicts, could trigger or exacerbate anxiety and depression.
Additionally, he noted that strained relationships with colleagues, supervisors or clients can arise from mental conditions, leading to conflicts and a toxic work environment and that employees experiencing mental health conditions may struggle with concentration, decision making and completing tasks efficiently, thereby impacting on their overall performance.
He stated that individuals with mental health conditions were particularly at risk in unhealthy workplaces while those with severe mental disorders were more likely to be excluded from employment, and if they do get employed, they were more likely to experience inequality.
Prof. Ohene also identified being out of work, recent job loss and financial insecurity as risk factors for suicide.
Moreover, he indicated that mental health issues could also manifest physically leading to headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension and other somatic complaints.
“Issues that might affect one’s mental health includes excessive workload, poor pay causing constant pressure, stigma around mental health, unsafe or poor physical working conditions, under-use of skills or being under-skilled for work, understaffing and long, unsocial or inflexible hours,” he added.
Prof. Ohene indicated that in order to prevent work related mental health conditions, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended the implementation of organisational interventions that directly targets working conditions and environments.
He said these were interventions that mitigate, modify or remove risks to mental health such as flexible working arrangements, implementing frameworks to deal with violence and harassment at work.
WHO, he revealed, also recommends training for workers in mental health literacy and awareness to improve knowledge of mental health and reduce stigma against mental health conditions at work.
Also, he called for interventions for individuals to build skills to manage stress and reduce mental health symptoms, including psychosocial interventions and opportunities for leisure-based physical activity.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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.
