The Women’s Commission of the Senior Staff Association - Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), University of Cape Coast (UCC) chapter, has held a Mental Health Awareness Forum to highlight men’s mental health challenges. The event was themed, “Silent Battles: Creating Safe Spaces for Men’s Health Wellness.”
Mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, yet it remains a significant concern, particularly among men. Despite the growing awareness of mental health issues, many men face unique challenges that hinder their ability to seek help and maintain mental wellness.
As a result, the forum aimed to break the silence surrounding the psychological struggles faced by men and encourage open dialogue and institutional support for mental wellness.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Winifred Twenewaa Addaney, the SSA Women's Commissioner, explained the rationale behind the Commission’s involvement in the issue.
“While our primary target is women, we recognise that staff welfare is a collective affair. Promoting welfare in our staff community is not a gendered task; it is a collective effort,” Mrs. Addaney noted.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Daniel Owusu-Koranteng, General Secretary of the Maritime and Dockworkers Union and President of the Ghana National Association of ADR Practitioners, described the topic as one that remained largely unexplored.
He noted that Mental health issues in men were a pressing concern that required attention and action. By understanding the challenges men face, including societal pressures, stigma, and barriers to seeking help, it was necessary to work towards creating an environment that promotes their mental well-being.
Organisers of the Mental Health Awareness event
He highlighted the common anxieties men face, including financial, health, career, relationship, social performance, masculinity, and future anxieties. He stated, “Men have insecurities, they deserve help, they feel things, and they need love and care."
He went on to encourage participants to share their problems and make friends who can be a source of emotional and psychological support in times of need.
A panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Elijah Osafo Amoako, followed the keynote presentation and featured insights from leading professionals, including Prof. Emeritus K. Awusabo-Asare of the Department of Population and Health at UCC, Dr. James Kojo Prah, Director of the University Health Services, and Mr. Sampson Opoku Agyemang from the Department of Mental Health.
Prof. Awusabo-Asare remarked that “Mental health issues are in a continuum,” pointing to the need for sustained care across different stages of life.
Dr. Prah called for a shift in attitudes towards health.
“If you see a man in the hospital, it is likely that his wife or a woman is with him. It is time to change and take our health more seriously.”
Mr. Agyemang also urged a mindset change towards work and wellness.
“If you don’t change your mindset about your work, you will have career anxiety, which will cause you stress,” he warned.
He added, “If you have strong muscles, it doesn’t mean you have a strong mind,” emphasising the need to pay attention to emotional wellbeing. He further advocated for the establishment of wellness centers in universities, noting that “mental health issues are culture specific.”
Chairperson for the event, Dr. Irene Korkoi Aboh, reiterated the importance of the event. She said the stigma surrounding men’s mental health has been a societal issue for a long time.
She also expressed appreciation to the Women’s Commission for initiating the forum.
Source: Documentation and Information Section - UCC