I’ve always believed that within us lies a world of depth, emotion, and untold stories. It wasn’t until I started reflecting on my own inner journey that I realized just how important it is to share these experiences, both the highs and the lows, with others. Writing this book has been a way for me to explore, understand, and communicate the complexities of my own emotions.
What inspired me to write this book was the desire to connect—connect with my own heart and, more importantly, with yours. In the pages ahead, you’ll find raw, honest reflections that come from a place of vulnerability. My hope is that, through my words, you’ll find comfort, understanding, and the courage to explore your own inner world.
If this book resonates with you, it’s because, deep down, we all share similar feelings, challenges, and triumphs. We are not as alone as we often think. I hope this book can serve as a reminder that our stories—however big or small—matter.
Thank you for reading. I’m honored to have you walk this journey with me.
As political parties gear up for the December 7 general elections in Ghana, Bismark Kwabla Kpobi, the Executive Director of the BSK Health Advocacy Foundation, is calling on citizens to prioritize mental health in their evaluation of political candidates. In a recent statement, Kpobi highlighted alarming incidents that underscore the urgent need for comprehensive mental health policies.
One such incident involved a two-year-old child who sustained critical head injuries after being assaulted by an individual with untreated mental illness found on the streets. In another tragic case, an accident victim exhibiting psychological symptoms was abandoned and left to die in a bush near Gomoa Ojobi after being denied appropriate mental health care at Trauma and Specialised Hospital, Winneba.
Mental health
Mr. Kpobi’s statement emphasizes the neglect and stigmatization faced by individuals with mental illnesses in Ghana. He urges political candidates to present realistic and practical policies aimed at resourcing the Mental Health Authority and advancing mental health care across the nation. Despite the Mental Health Act 846 being enacted in 2012, its full implementation remains pending.
Among the key demands are the establishment of modern mental health hospitals nationwide, increased funding for the Mental Health Authority, and risk allowances for mental health professionals. Kpobi stresses that the nation’s progress is inextricably linked to the mental well-being of its citizens and that addressing mental health issues should not be merely lip service.
Kpobi calls on the media, religious leaders, and other opinion leaders to amplify this demand, urging them to hold political leaders accountable for providing concrete solutions to the mental health crisis in Ghana.
The upcoming elections present an opportunity for Ghanaians to ensure that their future leaders are committed to addressing the mental health needs of the populace. By demanding robust mental health policies, citizens can help foster a society where mental health care is prioritized and individuals with mental illnesses receive the dignity and support they deserve.
Bismark Kwabla Kpobi Senior Registered Mental Nurse (Practicing) Mental Health Advocate Executive Director, BSK Health Advocacy Foundation, bismarkkwablakpobi@gmail.com
By addressing these issues head-on, Ghana can take significant strides towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for all its citizens, ensuring that mental health care is given the importance it warrants in the nation’s political and social agenda.
Bismark Kwabla Kpobi, Executive Director of ASK Health Advocacy Foundation, has raised serious concerns about the detrimental impact of government corruption on the mental health of citizens. Despite being endowed with abundant natural resources such as gold, bauxite, timber, crude oil, and cocoa, the populace continues to suffer due to the self-serving and corrupt practices of government officials. These leaders, prioritizing their wealth over sustainable development and public welfare, have plunged the nation into socio-economic hardship, severely affecting the mental health of its citizens.
The pervasive incompetence and lack of foresight among government appointees have led to widespread stress, anxiety, and depression among the populace. As a result, many individuals turn to substance abuse to cope with suicidal thoughts and hunger. The negative effects of corrupt governance extend to societal issues such as marital breakdowns, high youth unemployment rates, and a decline in sexual health, with some resorting to dangerous aphrodisiacs that pose severe physical health risks, including organ damage and heart attacks.
Adding to the distress is the blatant disrespect and arrogance displayed by government officials, who often dismiss citizens as lazy or unqualified. Opportunities that once offered hope to the youth, such as careers in security services or positions in state institutions, now require substantial bribes or connections, further eroding the public’s trust and hope.
Citizens are left in a state of despair, their talents wasted in an environment that stifles their potential. Kpobi calls for a radical change in leadership behavior, emphasizing the need for accountability, maintenance of culture, and selfless governance to alleviate the suffering of the masses. He stresses the importance of mental health support, urging individuals not to succumb to despair or suicidal thoughts, but to seek help and remain safe.
Bismark Kwabla Kpobi concludes with a powerful plea: “One cannot attain total physical health without total mental health.” It is imperative for leaders to prioritize the well-being of the people and work towards creating a nation that values and uplifts every citizen.
As the world observes Mental Health Awareness Month, Ghana joins the global community in recognizing the importance of mental health, particularly maternal mental health, during the perinatal period. Designated as Purple Month in Ghana, this observance aims to provide hope, support, and encouragement to those struggling with mental health disorders.
Maternal Mental Health (MMH) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a state of well-being in which a mother, during the perinatal period (pregnancy and up to one year after birth), realizes her abilities, copes with normal life stresses, works productively, and contributes to her community. However, despite its significance, MMH remains an overlooked aspect of maternal care.
Statistics from the WHO reveal that approximately 20% (1 in 5) of pregnant women worldwide experience maternal mental health issues, with the prevalence increasing by 13% among women who have just given birth. Shockingly, only 10% of those affected seek help in developing countries like Ghana.
Common Maternal Mental Health conditions include:
Baby/Postpartum Blues: Mood swings, tearfulness, and anxiety shortly after childbirth, which usually resolve within a few weeks.
Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest, requiring professional support and treatment.
Anxiety: Excessive worrying about the baby or the mother.
Postpartum Psychosis: A rare but severe condition characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized behavior, requiring immediate medical and mental health treatment.
The causes of MMH issues range from biological to socioeconomic factors. Biological factors include changes in hormone levels during and after pregnancy, while psychological factors encompass stress associated with pregnancy, childcare, work, and personal or family history of mental health issues. Additionally, socioeconomic factors such as exposure to violence and abuse, financial issues, relationship problems, and lack of access to healthcare contribute significantly to MMH issues.
Pregnant women with maternal mental health issues may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
Persistent sadness or low mood
Anxiety
Changes in appetite
Social withdrawal or isolation
Neglect of personal hygiene for both the mother and the baby
Loss of interest in the baby or previously enjoyed activities
Irritability or anger with unusual aggression
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Substance abuse
Fatigue or loss of energy
Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby
It is imperative that maternal mental health be prioritized by the government, families, husbands, and all healthcare professionals. Prompt identification and treatment of MMH issues are crucial in ensuring the well-being of mothers and their babies.
The government must allocate resources to the Mental Health Authority (MHA) to prevent and treat MMH issues effectively. By doing so, Ghana can ensure that mothers receive the support and care they need during and after pregnancy, contributing to the overall health and well-being of families and communities.
Bismark Kwabla Kpobi calls for national sovereignty and independence from European and US pressures
In a passionate address on Ghana’s 67th Independence Day, citizen Bismark Kwabla Kpobi expressed deep concern over what he perceives as undue influence from Western powers on Ghana’s moral values and family systems. Kpobi condemned what he termed “manipulative threats” from so-called superpowers, emphasizing that Ghana should not be swayed by disguised aid that comes with conditionalities aimed at imposing Western values.
Highlighting recent events surrounding discussions on LGBTQ++ rights and foreign aid, Kpobi raised questions about the sovereignty and dignity of the nation. He criticized the Finance Minister’s statement linking loan access to Ghana’s stance on LGBTQ++ rights, citing it as an example of undue pressure from international financial institutions.
Kpobi questioned the fairness of such conditions, particularly when juxtaposed with the obligations of organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to provide assistance to member countries facing economic distress. He argued that Ghana’s sovereignty should not be compromised in exchange for financial aid, especially when it comes with demands that contradict the country’s cultural and moral values.
The concerned citizen urged Ghanaian youth to resist such impositions and called upon religious and traditional leaders to support the Anti-LGBTQ++ Bill. He emphasized the need for Ghana to mobilize its resources locally and reduce corruption to achieve true independence and development without reliance on foreign loans.
Kpobi’s remarks underscore a growing sentiment among some Ghanaians regarding the influence of Western powers on the nation’s cultural and moral landscape. As the debate on LGBTQ++ rights continues, his call for national sovereignty and resistance to foreign pressures resonates with those who seek to preserve Ghana’s cultural identity and values.
For Kpobi, the time is now for Ghana to assert its independence both physically and mentally, rejecting external influences that threaten its moral and family systems. His impassioned plea reflects a broader conversation within Ghanaian society about the balance between global partnerships and national autonomy in shaping the country’s future.
In conclusion, Kpobi’s message serves as a rallying cry for Ghanaians to stand firm in defense of their cultural heritage and national sovereignty, advocating for policies and actions that prioritize the interests and values of the Ghanaian people above all else.
For further inquiries, contact: Bismark Kwabla Kpobi Concerned Citizen
The Young mental health Nurse, Bismark Kpobi, have sighted a comment made by the Hon. Minister for Roads and Highways in circulations where he stated that all TOLLBOOTHs across the country will soon be converted into Public Urinals.
However, He must say on authority that that is retrogressive decision and it will be suicidal and homicidal if not halted now.
Below are some questions we should be asking the minister ;
1. Will the urinal be used by cars plying the roads ? If yes, do we have spacious areas where all hundreds of cars passing by can stop ,park and the drivers and passengers use the Urinals? Per my assessment across the country, we don’t have such spacious areas where many cars can park for passengers to line up there to ease themselves.
2. Will the place be used by those passing by on foot, those living by the TOLLBOOTHs,or for the general public? If yes, will the running cars passing stop for people to cross the road to use the Urinals since Weija , Motorway TOLLBOOTHs have many in the middle of the roads?
Per the above questions, it is clear the intentions and decision of the Hon Minister, Kwasi Amoako- Attah, will be dangerous and disastrous and hence should not be tolerated and given the necessary consideration. If we want to provide public Urinals and toilets for the passengers and drivers, then we have many places along the roads that can be utilised other than setting death traps for innocent souls who will be trooping to the roads to ease themselves.
Also, that decision will cause huge traffics the abolishment of the TOLLBOOTHs previously sorted to prevent.Having expatiate my points,
He calls on all discerning citizens and media to add their voices before inevitable accidents start visiting the country.
DEPEND ON YOUR TITHE AND OFFERING NOT CONSULTATION FEE- THE PASTOR TELLS FELLOW PASTORS
The founder and head pastor of Sons of God Prayer Ministry, Rev. Eric Tweneboah Kodua has urged his fellow pastors and prophets to stop collecting consultation fees from church members and use tithe and offerings for their activities.
According to Rev. Eric Tweneboah Kodua, a consultation fee is not the right way that a pastor should use to collect money from his or her church members.
What do pastors and prophets use consultation fees for? – he asked.
Some pastors and prophets use that money for luxurious cars and buildings of mansions.
Pastors and prophets should not even charge consultation fees. They can use tithe and offering to do whatever will help the church.
THOSE THREATENING ANTI-LGBTQ PETITIONER WILL SEE THE WRATH OF GOD IF… – BISHOP GEORGE NII AYEH
The founder and leader of Rivers of Life Ministry, Bishop George Nii Ayeh (OTAFREGYA), has warned those who are threatening the Anti-LGBTQ+ Petitioner to put a stop to that in order not to face the wrath of God.
According to Bishop George Nii Ayeh, he has heard that some people are threatening the Anti-LGBTQ petitioner, who is known as (OLUMANBA) a media practitioner.
It is a big sin to support LGBTQ, and also the Ghanaian culture doesn’t support those act- he added.
God’s angry will come upon Ghana if we legalize LGBTQ, so those supporting should be very careful else, they should be ready for God’s anger.
God is very happy with what the Anti-LGBTQ petitioner is doing so he has also promised to support him with prayers and all kinds of support that he needs.
The problem with politicians and political parties owning media outfits (radio, TV, etc.) is that they are able to do propaganda as much as they want, project their parties and political ideologies, whether good or bad, and inevitably misinform and miseducate the public. Even when they don’t have their own radio or TV stations, they end up contracting some media personalities who then cultivate the corrupt habit of turning a blind eye to or sidestepping major issues and asking frivolous questions when they get the opportunity.
How many media houses and media personalities are talking about Government’s corrupt dealings in the Ghanaian oil and gas sector?
Take a good look at the Volta Region for instance. There are no less than 4 radio stations owned by NPP party people and despite the attempt to be unbiased in their reportage and during their morning shows, you can still see where they are headed and what the long term-term strategy is.
Even radio stations that claim to be unaffiliated to political parties, end up inviting only NDC and NPP reps on their morning shows. I don’t even know who told them that you can’t have a morning show and discussions without NPP-NDC reps in the studio.
It’s mediocre really and a tacit promotion and endorsement of the duopoly.
We need experts discussing national and topical issues, not NDC and NPP representatives.
You owe us, the public, that duty. We don’t want politically biased takes on issues, we need expert opinions.
Edmund Burke said the Fourth Estate is the most powerful, most important and most influential among the four arms of government, and he is right.
politicians
The media can affect and influence public participation in politics, serve as a platform to educate or miseducate the masses, and when political persons and parties start owning media houses, that’s when the public is deceived, becomes less politically conscious, and not able to think and see the duopoly for what it is.
A political pact that desires to keep the general populace ignorant in order to perpetuate their stranglehold on Ghanaian politics.
If we are ever going to reverse the damage politically biased journalism is causing in Ghana, we need to own media outfits and also make judicious use of the internet and word-of-mouth.
If you can’t fight the information wars, forget it. You are not making inroads and you can’t get enough people informed and moving in opposition to the duopoly.
Get people and groups signed up, develop a clear strategy, put an organizational structure in place, democratize every decision making process, and then move.
This fight is bigger than any of us, but you can’t discount the role of individuals, you can’t alienate anyone. You shouldn’t.
Acting Inspector General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare was up in action with his men ahead of the much anticipated #FixTheCountry demonstration which happened yesterday.
Having given the green light for the peaceful march to be held, COP Akuffo Dampare before the dispersion of his men, met officers at the Accra Regional Command together with members of the Police Management Board.
He sought to, through the meeting, brief the men who were going to be on the field himself. Though this is usually done by heads at the Regional Command, the IGP spearheaded this meeting to motivate and encourage the men to be professional before they set off to shepherd the demonstrators.
Photos available to GhanaWeb from his office show COP Dampare speaking to his men who had gathered to get some ‘morale’ from their chief.
George Akuffo Dampare
The #FixTheCountry demonstration which is the first demonstration exercise held under his leadership was an incident-free one.
Meanwhile, scores of citizens from various spheres joined the #FixTheCountry protest Wednesday morning, to register their displeasure about happenings in leadership and governance.
100 cedis a month for Cathedral or 88 district hospitals? – A plus throws a challenge
Finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta presented 2021 mid-year budget to the parliament of Ghana on 29th July 2021. At the presentation, the minister made an appeal to Ghanaians to contribute Hundred Ghana Cedis (GHc100) a month towards the building of the National Cathedral.
This has sparked a debate on social media as some people see it as a misplaced priority.
Controversial musician turned politician, Kwame Asare Obeng popularly known as A plus has thrown a challenge to social media users to join in with what they would want Ghanaians to contribute 100 Ghana cedis for as he has chosen a contribution towards the president’s promise to build 88 district hospitals.
Cathedral
A plus wrote on his Facebook page
“I’m also asking for 100 Ghana cedis a month to help build the 88 district hospitals.
Where will your 100 cedis go? Cathedral or hospitals?
To join the challenge click on the hashtag to create a post.
For more than ten years,after the passage of the disability acts in 2006, persons with disability still face lots of barriers in society.The right of a person with disability is entrenched in acts 715 of the constitution.
One of such right spells out that all commercial buildings be structured in a way to make it easily accessible to persons with disability. The issue of public buildings not being disability friendly is a major pain ,especially in our tertiary schools.Here in Ghana,the situation is not different .
The Cry of the Disabled
There are quiet a number of students leaving with disability on our various campuses and the struggle they go through to attend lectures is difficult.
Most of our tertiary have buildings have several floors bur mostly the disability friendly rumps are able to take students only to the middle floor.
The major hurdle comes in when students with disability want to attend lectures.We had the opportunity to speak to one Pollino Binney, who shares with us what he goes through anytime he has a class Speaking to Miss Ivy Bodwe, an assistant lecturer in the Department of Education and Psychology and also a resource person for students with disability, this is what she has to say
The Cry of the Disabled
The pain and struggle students with disability have to go through in order to access certain lecture theatres our various institutions is disheartening .It’s a plea that something be done about it to ease their movement problem. It’s their right,they have pain for it,it’s part of their school feeds,denying them this right is making them feel worse than they already do.
With the emergence of the Covid 19 pandemics, almost all activities are held virtually to adhering to the protocols stipulated by WHO and the Covid 19 Health management Team in the country. This has been the order of the season since the whole of 2020 and now 2021.
Today, 20gh data bundle from the telecommunication networks can’t take us through a 24 hour social media activities without being short of data. I am not talking about watching and downloading of U- Tube videos and stuffs, I am talking about normal social media stuffs like WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, .Data In Ghana Is Too Expensive
data in Ghana..
Data In Ghana Is Too Expensive
How do we expect our unemployed youth and students to purchasing these expensive ventures to studying and holding virtual teachings , learning and lectures?
How do we expect our undergraduates and graduates to undertaking research and learning when data is so expensive in Ghana that an average data per week is 50_100gh ?
Are we as a country helping the future leaders of this country since Technology is the order of the day?
The telecommunication networks with their agents in another breath are helping the fraudulent arm robbery activities as stated by the Ghana Police Service in their investigations with regards to the heinous crimes going on daily.
Dear Minister and MP, we need you to giving us assurances backed by well thought out rules and guidelines to reducing data and Airtime usage in the COUNTRY. We can’t take it any more.
The other concern of interest is the poor telecommunication networks across the country especially in rural areas. Access to information is very poor which is affecting the socioeconomic life of the people. It is my plea and utmost prayers that you role out expansion of telecommunication networks to every part of the COUNTRY for easier access to uninterrupted network for transactions, and proper information dissemination.
Data In Ghana Is Too Expensive
Hon minister, I will be much grateful if you respond to this open Letter to you and your high office to curbing draining of our pockets in data and airtime usage to saving the situation.
The Psychiatric Nurse and Concern Citzen if Ghana, Bismarck Kpobi upon research discovered that Drug abuse has become a global phenomenon affecting almost every country though the extent and characteristics vary depending on the country in question.
Drug Abuse by the Youths
In an interview with Dikoder.com, he explained that, marijuana and alcohol have been identified as the major drugs of abuse among the youth in Ghana. These drugs are becoming more and more a public health concern and they represent one of the leading causes of preventable deaths , illnesses and injury.
According to the young Psychiatric Nurse, he said, the age of abuse of marijuana and alcohol is relatively low , 10-15 years and experimentation has been found to be the main reason for the start of the abuse. These two drugs in addition to cigarettes, Cocaine, and many pharmaceutical drugs of high heroine origin, either in one or combine( mixed) usage are really destroying lives and the country’s human resources and economy.
Drug Abuse by the Youth
“The course of the alarming rate of the abuse especially among the youth can be traced to the high unemployment among the youth, the frustration of highly qualified students not having access for further education, and the general economic situations in the country” …
“Ignorance, on the part of the victims, interpersonal relationship with families and peer pressure, Media , availability of the drugs, cost of the drugs, urbanisation, slum communities and some culture factors are the causes” he said.
Pening down notes Bismarck further raised another concern of a disease called aphrodisiac. He said, aphrodisiac works by stimulating nerve centres in the spine , thereby improving the capacity for erection without increasing Sexual excitement. These drugs, some call it herbal Viagra . Unfortunately, there are side effects to taking these herbs which include; anxiety, weakness, overstimulation, paralysis, and hallucinations depending on the type.
“Too much use of these Viagra puts much pressure on the internal organs of the male partner which in long round leads to many Illnesses . Normal Sexual intercourse doesn’t take much time , the emphasis should rather be on the satisfaction to be given the female partner . Overworking ourselves with drugs to impressing women cannot be exclusive of many youthful death among the youth especially the males he stated.
However, Government spending on substance abuse treatment is seen as an extra financial burden on an already strained budget.
Furthermore, drug addictions can threaten Civic safety, given that people under the influence of drugs may have a distorted view of the world around them and are prone to participating in improper behaviors such as armed robbery, domestic violence which is rampant these days on our communities. Such victims of substance abuse can become danger to the families, general public and the environment. Substance Abuse also increases the risks of spreading infectious diseases such as HIV AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis since these victims share blades ,needles and many other sharps .
Drug Abuse by the Youth
“The aforementioned outline should be of utmost priority to the government to saving our future leaders now before the youth die and leave their parents. Government should come out with rehabilitation centres to attending to such victims by reorientating them back to the community for productive works. Appreciable percentage of the MoH budget Should be pushed into Mental Health Psychiatry to taking care of such fast looming time bomb when not control now. All stakeholders who matter in ensuring moral values and proper upbringing of children should add their voices for government to taking needed steps in addressing substance Abuse in the country among the youth” he said.
Ref: WHO Study Substance Abuse,2003, The Pan African Medical Journal, 30th Dec ,2019.
Ghanaians in recent days have engage in serious agitation and unquenchable debate over the Calls for Ban of Mallams and Money doublers on the various media space which has been fingured as a recipe of Murder of a 10yr old minor at Kasoa Adam Nana in the Awutu Senya East of the Central region by his Friends Nicholas Kini 17 and his counterpart Nyarko 16 years.
RAWLINGS
BLAME J.J RAWLINGS AND KOFUOR
According to the CEO of Onyame Kokroko Herbal Center, Dr Dirl Airl King Mashal has said, Ghanaians should put the blame on Former president J J Rawlings, J. A Kofuor because what we are witnessing today started from their redeem and they do not make any effort to ban such act.
It will be recalled that, the Suspected minor Killers in Kasoa murder case during and after their arrest testified that, they were asked by a Money doubler who is the Volta region to bring Human parts for money and after this revelation, Scores of Ghanaians have called for immediate Ban of this Spiritualists and Some self- acclaimed Men of God from our media space but up till date the leaders of this country has not been able to ban them, which is not fair, “he said”
BLAME J.J RAWLINGS AND KOFUOR
However, Dr King Airl Mashal said, he’s disappointed in our leaders for not banning the Azaa pastors and money doublers on television, radio and other social platforms.
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