The Presidential Special Envoy for Reparations, Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, has underscored the need for a national dialogue on mental health, stressing that the well-being of Ghanaians is essential to sustaining productivity under the government’s proposed 24-Hour Economy Plan.
Speaking at the Annual General and Scientific Meeting of the Psychiatric Association of Ghana, held under the theme “Optimising Resource Allocation in African Mental Health: Values-Driven Strategies for Sustainable Development,” Dr. Spio-Garbrah said a strong mental health framework is key to achieving long-term economic growth and resilience.
“The 24-hour economy proposal is a fantastic idea, but it comes with risks—financial, legal, human resource, and health-related,” he explained.
“People must stay healthy and mentally stable even as work schedules become more demanding. Weak infrastructure, like our limited transport systems, could increase stress and lateness, leading to workplace tensions and job losses. We must factor these realities into our planning.”
Dr. Spio-Garbrah added that psychologists and psychiatrists should be included in discussions around labour and productivity policies to help mitigate the mental strain associated with extended work cycles.
The President of the Ghana Psychiatric Association, Dr. Fiagbe, also called on churches and faith-based organisations to integrate mental health professionals into their counselling programmes. He noted that early detection and intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes across communities.
“We need policies that help us optimise human and other resources. Religious leaders, imams, and even social media influencers can help raise mental health awareness and improve literacy,” he said.
