Mr. Peter Amadu Mintir, Executive Director of Total Life Enhancement Centre (TOLEC-GH), a psychology-focused NGO, has advocated for educational institutions to integrate psychological assessments into their mandatory medical examinations for students. He emphasized that such assessments could help identify and address underlying mental health issues that may impact students' academic performance and overall well-being.
Mr Mintir made this call during his address at a forum titled “Empower You Summit,” held in Tamale. The event was organized by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) of the University for Development Studies (UDS), in collaboration with TOLEC-GH and the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-GH), under the theme “Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Balancing Mental Wellness, Students Advocacy, and Academic Excellence.”
Expressing concern, Mr Mintir highlighted the absence of mental health considerations in students' medical examination requests by educational institutions and urged immediate measures to reverse this trend to promote inclusivity.
Mr. Issah Abdul-Manan, President of UDS-NUGS, explained that the forum aimed to enhance advocacy on mental health and prepare students for leadership roles in key national institutions. He noted the significant challenges faced by university students in Ghana, ranging from financial constraints to academic pressures, which expose them to mental health risks.
Calling on the government to prioritize mental health, Mr Abdul-Manan emphasized the importance of implementing policies and programs to develop a healthier and more innovative workforce for the country.
Madam Wedad Sayibu, Director of School for Life, underscored the significance of female leadership for national development. She encouraged young women to recognize their potential and capabilities, urging them not to be deterred by challenges but to use them as opportunities to build resilience and courage.
Mr. Sule Salifu, Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, advised students to focus on acquiring self-employable skills to support the government's industrialization agenda. He emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in creating more job opportunities.
Mrs. Mary Braimah, from the Counseling Unit at UDS, advised students to prioritize learning and hard work to minimize examination stress and pressure.
The summit brought together students and stakeholders to address critical issues surrounding mental health, leadership, and academic excellence, aiming to empower the future leaders of Ghana.