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.
In a bold display of dissent, concerned citizens gathered in Accra yesterday to protest the controversial sale of a 60% stake in six hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). Organized under the banner of ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’, the demonstration saw a coalition of activists, workers, and political figures voicing their opposition to what they perceive as an abuse of power and a threat to state assets.
Among the prominent figures leading the charge was Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu and a vocal critic of the hotel sale. Ablakwa, who also serves as a convener of the protest, has been at the forefront of efforts to halt the transaction, citing concerns of impropriety and potential corruption.
The sale, which involves transferring majority ownership to Rock City Group, a company allegedly linked to Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong, has sparked outrage and raised questions about conflicts of interest within the government. Ablakwa, along with other demonstrators, sees this as a clear case of state assets being exploited for personal gain by public officials.
Addressing the media during the protest, Ablakwa emphasized the urgency of their demands, particularly calling on President Akufo-Addo to intervene and halt the sale. “We insist that President Akufo-Addo must immediately stop the sale of our SSNIT hotels,” he declared. “We are going to insist that they back out.”
Ablakwa further stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of state assets, arguing that profitable entities like the SSNIT hotels should not be sold off to private interests. The protest garnered support from various quarters, including the Trades Union Congress, whose Public Relations Officer, Naa Ayele Ardayfio Sekyere, voiced solidarity with the cause.
“This is a national call,” Sekyere affirmed. “We must all be interested because I don’t want to work for over 40 years and go on retirement as a pauper.”
The demonstration culminated in the submission of a formal petition to the Presidency, with Ablakwa leading the delegation. Deputy Chief of Staff Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman received the petition on behalf of the government, assuring the protesters that their concerns would be duly addressed.
Reflecting on the significance of the protest, Ablakwa expressed satisfaction with the turnout and vowed to maintain pressure on the government until concrete action is taken. “Our intervention was timely,” he remarked. “We caught them right on time.”
The ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’ movement has injected fresh energy into the ongoing debate surrounding the management of state assets and the accountability of public officials. As calls for transparency grow louder, the government faces mounting pressure to reconsider its approach to privatization and ensure that the interests of the public are safeguarded.
In the coming days, the nation will keenly await the response of President Akufo-Addo and his administration, as they grapple with the demands of a populace determined to protect its collective interests and uphold the principles of accountability and integrity in governance.
Overview
Hundreds of demonstrators, led by Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, gathered at the Labadi Beach Hotel for the “Hands Off Our Hotels” demonstration. The objective was to pressure the government to immediately halt the sale of a 60 percent stake in four prominent hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Rock City Hotel owned by Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong.
Demands and Objective
Ablakwa submitted a formal petition to the government, demanding an immediate halt to the sale process. The petition called upon President Akufo-Addo to stop the sale of SSNIT hotels, emphasizing that state assets, especially profitable ones, should not be sold without the consent of all Ghanaians. The protest aimed to express disgust and pressure the government to cease the proposed sale, which was perceived as an abuse of power and potentially damaging transaction.
Confrontation and Petition Submission
The demonstration, which commenced at the Labadi Beach Hotel, concluded near the Jubilee House, the seat of government. However, the protesters’ attempt to cross the agreed finishing point resulted in a confrontation with the police, leading to the use of tear gas and pepper spray, resulting in injuries. Despite this, Ablakwa managed to present a copy of the petition to a representative from the Jubilee House amidst heavy security. The hotels in question included the Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, and Busua Beach Resort.
Widespread Support
The protest garnered widespread support from various segments of society, including civil society organizations, concerned citizens, and opposition political groups, all united in their stance against what they perceived as an unethical and potentially damaging transaction.
For more details, you can refer to the full news story provided earlier for a comprehensive understanding of the demonstration
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.
To mark World Mother’s Day, the Honorable Member of Parliament for North Dayi Constituency, Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh, extended her generosity to Anfoega Catholic Hospital. She took the opportunity to clear all medical bills for mothers and children in the hospital’s wards.
In an effort to improve maternal mental health, Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh donated diapers, soaps, toiletries, soft drinks, and half pieces of cloth to all the mothers in the wards, alleviating their concerns about caring for their children.
Recognizing the transportation needs of these mothers and children, she also provided them with tokens for their journeys back to their respective communities.
Not content with just assisting the patients, Hon. Joycelyn also sought to bring smiles to the faces of the health workers at the hospital. She provided them with motivation, encouraging them to continue delivering excellent healthcare services to the residents of North Dayi Constituency.
The clients, their relatives, and the hospital staff expressed profound gratitude to Hon. MP Joycelyn for her consistent support and timely intervention.
In her brief address, Hon. Joycelyn advised young mothers to consider family planning as a means to space the ages of their children, ensuring both their mental and physical health. She also expressed appreciation to the hospital staff for their dedicated care within the constituency.
At the climax of the Student Representative Council (SRC) Week Celebrations at Vakpo Senior High School’s Assembly Hall, Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh, the diligent and empowerment-oriented Member of Parliament for North Dayi Constituency, made a significant cash donation. A sum of Fifty-Nine Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC 59,000.00) was contributed to the school’s management to establish a Learning Resource Center.
This Learning Resource Center is set to be equipped with 10 HP Elite Computers, air conditioners, and other necessary materials. Its establishment aims to provide students with access to essential resources to aid in their training and preparation for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
In her address, Hon. Joycelyn cautioned the students against lifestyles that hinder learning and emphasized the importance of serious learning for academic success. She called on both students and staff to devote themselves to learning and teaching, respectively.
The student leadership and the headmaster expressed their gratitude to Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh for her support, investment, and unwavering commitment to improving education in the area. They promised to utilize the funds judiciously to ensure the realization of the Learning Resource Center’s vision.
Hon. Joycelyn underscored the educational policies of the JM NDC, expressing her confidence that these policies would significantly enhance education in the school. She also criticized the current government, accusing the Nana Addo Bawumia administration of neglecting the education sector and burdening parents with hidden costs despite claiming to provide “Free Education.”
The enthusiastic applause from the students demonstrated the trust and confidence they have in Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh and H.E John Dramani Mahama. Their resounding chorus, “Hon. Joycelyn, Our Votes Belong To You and Mahama,” echoed through the hall.
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
Dr. Louisa Ansong, the spouse of well-known Ghanaian dancehall performer Stonebwoy, has discussed the “green flags” that were important in her decision to wed the performer.
She discussed the considerations that affected her decision and emphasized the characteristics she discovered in Stonebwoy in an interview with Berla Mundi on TV3’s ‘The Day Show’.
Louisa claimed that she understood Stonebwoy’s ambition and goal-oriented temperament because they were similar to her own.
Dr. Louisa noted that one of the factors that stuck out to her was Stonebwoy’s commitment to and support of her academic endeavors.
She remembered times when Stonebwoy, who frequently worked late hours in the studio, would stay up with her to study for exams.
Louisa replied, “You know he works a lot at night – he’s always in the studio. Even when I was in school and I was studying for exams and stuff like that. He also stays up with me when he knows I’m staying up to study.
He keeps calling and asking if I’m still up or studying, she continued.
He’ll even test you on what you’ve learned to make sure you weren’t dozing off. These tiny details were all that was necessary. Even though he didn’t comprehend what he was reading, he will say, “Send me the slides you were using,” look through them, and ask you questions.
He was simultaneously making me nervous since I knew he would test me on everything I had learned. All of those minor details served as “green flags” that aided in the decision-making process, she continued.
Dr. Louisa is of the opinion that life does not always proceed in a straight line where one must succeed completely in one area before advancing to the next.
Instead, she contends that action should be taken if it feels right.
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The Bono Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party, Kwame Baffoe, has been granted GHS 100000 bail by the Accra Circuit Court .
He was granted bail on Wednesday February 16. The case has been adjourned to March 9. Abronye DC was detained on Tuesday by the Accra Regional Command, after he honoured their invitation over the said allegations.
He was subsequently charged with the publication of false news and Offensive Conduct conducive to the breach of Peace. Abronye DC’s claims
Mr. Baffoe is alleged to have said that Mr. Mahama had met with Al-Qaeda militants to engage them on how to topple the governing party. He claimed that Mr. Mahama approached the group in a bid to help him become president again.
The NPP communicator made these assertions Hot 93.9 FM in Accra, while responding to the arrest of #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor.
