Key stakeholders in Ghana's health sector are calling for employers, particularly in government institutions, to prioritize mental health by adopting practical measures and providing access to mental health resources.

A medical practitioner and IT expert, Dr Teta Duti, emphasised the importance of creating supportive work environments and implementing Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) to address mental health challenges.

Speaking at the launch of the Zyptyk app for mental health, Dr Duti shared his personal motivation for championing mental health initiatives.

Dr Duti, founder of Zomujo, revealed that his advocacy stems from a personal tragedy during his time in medical school.

"I lost my good friend to suicide while in medical school. He was a talented individual I had known since high school. I kept wondering if I had created a safe space for him to share his struggles. This experience and my own encounters with psychological challenges inspired me to start Zomujo."

Zomujo began as a mental health-focused initiative but has since expanded to include maternal and child health, as well as climate change.

Through its Peer Counselor Training Programme, Zomujo aims to provide first-line mental health support.

"Our goal is to offer free, personalised, confidential, and anonymous mental health support, starting with our 300 trained student volunteers," Dr Duti explained.

Zomujo has partnered with the Zyptyk app, where Dr Duti serves as team lead, to deliver accessible mental health care to Ghanaians.

"The Zyptyk app allows individuals to connect with a peer counselor within 10 minutes for free or speak to a professional psychologist or psychotherapist at a discounted rate," he stated.

Dr Duti emphasised the app's role in addressing barriers to mental health care, such as cost and accessibility.

"We want mental health to be readily available to everyone in Ghana. All it takes is downloading the Zyptyk app, and help is just a few minutes away."

Dr Duti’s call aligns with the broader advocacy for mental health awareness and support in the workplace. He encouraged employers to integrate mental health services into their organisational culture, ensuring that employees have access to the resources they need.

The launch of the Zyptyk app and Zomujo's initiatives mark a significant step toward addressing Ghana's mental health challenges.

These efforts highlight the growing recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall well-being and workplace productivity.

As the conversation around mental health gains momentum, stakeholders hope that institutions across Ghana will take decisive action to foster healthier, more supportive environments for all.