Mental health professionals and advocates are calling for stronger early-intervention systems to support young people, warning that unresolved psychological challenges during adolescence can escalate into serious crises in adulthood.
Speaking at a media capacity-building workshop in Accra, President of the Association for Suicide Prevention Ghana (GASP), Professor Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie, said adolescents and young adults remain the most at-risk group globally when it comes to severe mental health outcomes. He attributed the trend to a growing combination of social pressures, economic hardship and personal challenges.
The workshop, organised by GASP in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana Office and the University of Ghana’s Department of Psychology, focused on responsible reporting and the application of WHO guidelines on suicide-related issues.
Prof Quarshie explained that while previous generations faced challenges such as bullying, today’s youth contend with additional stressors including cyberbullying and unrealistic standards promoted on social media. These pressures, he noted, often erode self-esteem and go unnoticed.
He added that research shows many mental health conditions begin early in life and, if left unaddressed, can persist into adulthood with severe consequences. Economic difficulties, unemployment, poverty and barriers to education were further compounding the stress faced by young people, even in households benefiting from government education programmes.
The experts called for deliberate investments in resilience-building, life skills education and stronger safeguards in digital spaces to protect young people’s mental well-being.
Adding a parental perspective, Dr Pokua Osei Yeboah stressed the importance of consistent and open communication between parents and children, noting that warning signs are often missed when difficult conversations are avoided. She called for a cultural shift that encourages parents to take emotional struggles seriously rather than dismissing them.
Meanwhile, GASP Secretary Dr Johnny Andoh-Arthur drew attention to gaps in Ghana’s mental health system, including the lack of comprehensive national data on suicide and self-harm cases. He said the absence of reliable data makes prevention efforts more difficult.
Although Ghana has decriminalised attempted suicide, Dr Andoh-Arthur noted that limited funding—less than two per cent of the national health budget—is allocated to mental health, restricting access to timely care. He stressed that effective implementation requires better-resourced facilities, trained professionals and accessible support services.
The experts agreed that while recent reforms mark progress, sustained national commitment, improved data systems and compassionate support structures are essential to safeguarding the mental health of young people and preventing avoidable loss of life.
