Spearheaded by the Mental Health Authority (MHA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and various civil society organisations, the initiative aims to raise awareness on mental well-be­ing, reduce stigma, and promote access to quality mental healthcare for all.

This year’s celebration is under the theme “Mental Well-being: My Voice Matters”, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive mental health services and the removal of barriers to care, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Speaking at the national launch in Accra, the Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, in a speech read on her behalf by former Minister of Local Govern­ment and Rural Development, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, described the initiative as a bold declaration of inclusion and a reaffirmation of Ghanaians’ fundamental rights to be seen, heard, and supported.

She emphasised the importance of national empathy and collective responsibility.

“This programme is a call to action. It urges us to listen more attentively, act with greater com­passion, and commit more deliber­ately to the collective well-being of the nation,” she stated.

The Vice President noted that while mental health had been part of the national health discourse, it continued to be misunderstood and surrounded by stigma, fear, and silence.

“We have allowed outdated perceptions and cultural taboos to shape our national conversation around mental wellness.

As a result, many of our fellow citizens our brothers, sisters, children, and neighbours continue to suffer in silence, afraid to speak out and unable to seek help. This silence is not only harmful, it is dangerous and costly,” she said.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority, Professor Pinaman Appau, urged Ghanaians to treat mental health with the same urgency as physical health, emphasising that mental conditions affect people across all age groups and social back­grounds.

“Many Ghanaians still suffer in silence due to the fear of being labelled or rejected. This month, we are working hard to change the narrative by encouraging open conversations, community sup­port, and policy reforms,” Prof. Appau said.

The Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, reit­erated the government’s commit­ment to mental healthcare and announced plans to mainstream services into primary healthcare, making mental health support more accessible at the community level.

“This culture of silence has led to prolonged suffering, and in some cases, tragic consequences. We must change this,” he stated.

He further announced the establishment of modern mental health hospitals in the northern parts of the country, and the re­furbishment of existing facilities.

The Accra and Pantang Psychi­atric Hospitals, he said, would be adequately resourced for improved delivery.

The Minister also disclosed plans to revise the Mental Health Authority Act to expand the training and retention of commu­nity mental health officers, and to set up a national hotline to ensure timely access to professional sup­port and counselling.