The Trust Jesus Mental Health Foundation has called on churches across Ghana to take a more active role in promoting mental health education and reducing stigma surrounding mental illness.
Programs Director of the foundation, Mr. Bright Tekyi, said faith-based institutions are well-positioned to help members and the wider public adopt healthy mental wellbeing practices through sustained education and engagement.
Speaking in a statement shared with the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani following the foundation’s “Purple Month” celebration in Accra on June 7, 2026, he stressed that awareness alone is not enough and must be matched with action.
“Let’s turn awareness to action. Awareness is not enough; it’s time to act since early detection prevents symptoms from worsening and improves quality of life,” he said.
Mr. Tekyi noted that many mental health challenges worsen because early warning signs are ignored, leading to more severe conditions that could have been managed with timely intervention.
The President of the Foundation, Madam Mary Wormenor, also encouraged clergy to integrate mental health education into sermons, church programs, and community outreach activities.
She emphasized that with a large proportion of Ghanaians identifying as Christians, churches have a unique opportunity to influence attitudes and improve understanding of mental health.
According to her, creating supportive church environments can help improve emotional and psychological wellbeing while reducing stigma associated with mental illness.
She added that healthy and mentally stable congregations are better positioned to contribute positively to national development.
A member of the foundation’s advocacy team, Madam Mercy Ofori, further highlighted the importance of empathy and support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges, noting that timely assistance can significantly improve recovery outcomes.
She encouraged open conversations around mental health, urging the public not to ignore emotional struggles.
The Advocacy Director of the foundation, Mr. Seth Wormenor, also explained that mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, influencing how individuals think, behave, and relate to others.
He led discussions on recognizing early symptoms of mental illness, coping strategies, and the importance of community support in managing mental health conditions.
As part of the awareness activities, the foundation engaged several churches, including Amazing Grace Seventh Day Adventist Church, Charis Christian Family Chapel, and Wonder Chapel International.
The month-long campaign ended with a webinar focused on “Understanding Mental Illness,” aimed at deepening public knowledge and encouraging continued dialogue on mental wellbeing.
