The International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) has cautioned that untreated mental health challenges among workers in Ghana’s maritime sector could pose serious risks to safety, efficiency and productivity at the country’s ports.
Mr Adams Umar Mengo, Head of Administration at IMaH, said emotional and psychological difficulties could affect workers’ concentration and judgement, increasing the likelihood of errors in an industry where precision and alertness are critical.
He made the remarks during a media forum on men’s mental health organised by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), alongside officials from IMaH.
According to Mr Mengo, the mental state of employees directly influences their ability to perform safety-sensitive duties effectively.
“Once somebody has a problem up there, then the possibility of even making mistakes is high,” he said.
He explained that workers operating heavy equipment such as cranes could put themselves, colleagues and other port users at risk if they were struggling with unresolved mental health issues.
“Apart from you, the driver or the one operating the crane, bystanders are also exposed to the dangers of whatever you are going through mentally,” he added.
Consultant General Surgeon at IMaH, Dr Edward Amoah Boateng, said maritime workers face unique occupational pressures that could affect their psychological wellbeing.
He mentioned long working hours, shift schedules, extended periods away from family, handling valuable cargo and exposure to hazardous environments as some of the factors that could contribute to stress among workers in the sector.
Dr Boateng urged maritime employees to prioritise their mental wellbeing and seek professional support when facing emotional challenges.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of IMaH, Dr Kissi Dompreh-Ofori, called on employers to strengthen workplace mental health support systems through education, counselling and wellness initiatives.
He said increased awareness would help workers identify mental health challenges early and encourage them to seek assistance before their conditions worsen.
“The more we speak about it, the more men become aware, and thereby it reduces their chances of getting mental health issues,” he said.
Dr Dompreh-Ofori urged organisations, particularly those with employees engaged in high-risk operations, to make mental health education and workplace wellness programmes an integral part of occupational safety measures.
