The Managing Director of Supreme Healthcare and Management Services, Patience Osekre has advocated for a robust framework to give considerate attention to mental well-being in the country.

She believes this would help in improving care delivery for emotional health, psychological health, and mental health just as physical health in Ghana.

Speaking at the 5th annual Employee Assistance Program Africa Summit, Madame Osekrealso called for consented efforts from the government and all stakeholders towards ensuring a healthy citizenry to sustain socio-economic growth.

“I envision a Ghana where mental health advocacy involves not only healthcare professionals, but the government, politicians, and community leaders. Mental capital, our cognitive and emotional resources is the cornerstone of socio-economic development. Without it, our productivity and growth stagnate.

“I have lived and worked in the UK for years, where mental health support is embedded in every organisation. This integration has brought the western world tremendous advancement, and Ghana can follow a similar path if we shift our mindset and prioritise mental health resources,” she stated.

Madam Osekre urged the citizenry to prioritise their mental health and not hesitate to visit a professional when they identify symptoms that may impede their mental well-being.

She said, “Just as we see a doctor when we are physically unwell, we need to adopt the same urgency for mental health care. Struggling emotionally is part of life, not a sign of weakness. And when we are overwhelmed and hitting rock bottom, that is when it is crucial to reach out and seek professional support.”

“For too long, these issues have been brushed under the carpet or excused with tradition. While I respect tradition, we must recognise when we need a confidential outlet to express our emotional challenges.

“It is vital for everyone including myself as a trained psychotherapist to have that space when dealing with difficult times”, she further said.

The Deputy British High Commissioner to Ghana, Keith McMahon MBE emphasised the importance of incorporating mental health into societal norms and lauded the interest in the mental well-being of Ghanaians by the participants.

“Today’s gathering demonstrates how critical mental health is to communities, employers, and society as a whole. The large turnout of CEOs, government representatives, and health professionals reflects a collective commitment to mental well-being in our society”, Mr. McMahon observed.

He stressed the UK’s commitment to supporting Ghana with the requisite resources to improve on the mental well-being of its citizens.

“The UK is committed to continuing its support alongside the Ghanaian government in enhancing mental health care for all”, he said.

The EAP Africa Summit, established four years ago has become a critical platform for advancing employee well-being and organisational resilience across Africa.

The 2024 edition gathered industry leaders, diplomats, public service officials, health professionals, and mental health experts, The gathering emphasises a Pan-African commitment to employee assistance programs (EAPs) and workplace mental health.

By aligning with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the Summit highlights the role of mental health in sustainable development.

As a Pan-African event, the EAP Africa Summit is advancing a transformative agenda to prioritise mental health across workplaces and communities, with influential leaders from various sectors advocating for mental health. Ghana is poised to set an example for the continent, furthering the notion that mental capital is just as vital as physical infrastructure in achieving lasting socio-economic growth.

The EAP Africa Summit has demonstrated that mental health is not merely a personal concern but a vital asset in national development.