Total Life Enhancement Centre (TOLEC-GH), a psychology-focused organization, commemorated World Mental Health Day by engaging with special schools in the Northern Region of Ghana.
This effort was part of their commitment to promoting awareness and support for mental health issues.
The special schools included the Dakpema M/A Primary School in the Tamale Metropolis and the Savelugu School for the Deaf in the Savelugu Municipality.
This year's World Mental Health Day centered around the theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.” The goal was to increase awareness of the rights of individuals with mental health conditions and to combat stigmatization, discrimination, and abuse.
Mr. Peter Amadu Mintir, the Executive Director of TOLEC-GH, emphasized the importance of providing psychological support services to schools to ensure the overall growth and development of children.
He also highlighted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the right to health, including mental health, as a fundamental human right. As a member of the United Nations, Ghana acknowledges this right.
Mintir noted, “As we commemorate this day, it is important that we join forces to help safeguard the rights of persons with mental illness in our communities.”
Madam Yeiseh Christiana, the Headmistress of Dakpema M/A Primary School Special Unit Block “B,” stressed the need for more support to create a conducive learning environment for the school.
She mentioned the challenges faced by parents and guardians who often hesitate to enroll their children with special needs in schools, and those who do may neglect their responsibilities.
As part of their initiative, TOLEC-GH presented various food items and drinks to the school to support its students.
World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10th to raise awareness of mental health issues on a global scale.
- Reporting by Solomon Gumah: Editing by Adewale Adejoke