By: Joycelyn Ama Tseyiboe
The Lions Clubs of Ghana have officially launched a week-long campaign as part of a global effort to destigmatize mental health and encourage open conversations to raise awareness on mental health and well-being.
Speaking on GTV’s breakfast show, Lion Christina Ayisi, President of the Tema Gentle Women’s Lions Club, explained that mental health awareness is one of the key focus areas under Lions Club International’s global health mandate.
“As Lions, we don’t just focus on physical health; we focus on total well-being, body and mind. This year, our international president has called on all clubs worldwide to intensify awareness on mental health because there’s still a lot of misinformation and stigma surrounding it,” Christina Ayisi said.
Dominic Kumedzro, President of the Tema Greenwich Lions Club, emphasized the need for people to seek help when struggling with mental health challenges. “We all go through difficult times. The key message is that there’s help available. The Mental Health Authority and trained specialists are ready to support anyone who needs it,” he noted, adding that service and volunteerism within the Lions community also contribute to members’ emotional well-being.
Dr. Emefa Dzordzorme, a psychiatrist expert highlighted the urgent need for expanded access to mental health care in Ghana. She revealed that one in five Ghanaians suffers from a mental health challenge, while about 13% live with severe conditions that require professional attention.
“Unfortunately, Ghana has only between 80 and 90 psychiatrists serving a population of over 20 million, creating a huge treatment gap. About 80 to 85% of people who need mental health care do not have access to it,” she said.
The expert explained that common mental health conditions in Ghana include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, while also cautioning against the casual misuse of terms like PTSD and paranoia on social media.
She urged the public to look out for behavioral changes such as social withdrawal, irritability, loss of interest, or drastic mood shifts as early warning signs of possible mental distress.
On the issue of stigma, she called for greater public education. “People still associate mental illness with spiritual causes or moral weakness. But mental health conditions can affect anyone. We need to understand that seeking professional help doesn’t negate faith both can coexist,” she emphasized.
Both Lions presidents called on Ghanaians to join the Lions Club and participate in their community-centered activities. “Serving others and connecting with people can significantly improve one’s mental health,”Dominic Kumedzro said.
“Mental health is everyone’s business. The more we talk about it, the more lives we save,” Christina Ayisi added.
