Combating Mental Health in Ghana: Collaborative, Research and Ethical Approaches by Health Professionals

Mental health continues to represent one of Ghana’s most urgent and under-addressed public health challenges. With an estimated 2.3 million Ghanaians living with mental health conditions and less than 2% accessing formal treatment, the need for coordinated professional response has never been greater. This virtual CPD programme brings together leading experts from academia, clinical practice, policy, and ethics to explore practical, research-driven, and ethically grounded solutions for improving mental healthcare in Ghana.

The symposium will be highly interactive and thought-provoking, featuring panel discussions, research presentations, case studies, and participant exchanges. It is accredited by the Medical and Dental Council (MDC), Pharmacy Council (PC), Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and the Psychology Council.

OBJECTIVES

1. To deepen participants’ understanding of the global, regional, and national burden of mental health conditions and their implications for Ghana’s healthcare system.

2. To examine existing gaps, challenges, and opportunities in Ghana’s mental health policy, service delivery, and workforce.

3. To build the capacity of health professionals to apply collaborative, multidisciplinary, and cross-sectoral approaches to mental healthcare.

4. To strengthen the use of research evidence and innovative models in developing sustainable mental health interventions.

5. To promote ethical and human-rights-based practice among health professionals involved in mental healthcare.

6. To inspire collective action among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and institutions towards reducing stigma and improving access to quality mental health services.

TOPICS TO BE PRESENTED

DAY ONE

TOPIC: Burden of Mental Health, Screening, Challenges and the Way Forward

Panel discussion featuring:

Dr. Eugene K. Dordoye – Acting CEO, Mental Health Authority

Dr. Ignatius A. Awinibuno – Director of Allied Health, MoH

Dr. Wallace A. Odiko-Ollennu – Ag. Program Manager, NCDs, GHS

George Ekem-Ferguson – Clinical Psychologist, KBTH

Mrs. Mary Rhondi Asiaw – Mental Health Nurse, Pantang Hospital

DAY TWO

TOPIC: Research Gaps, Proven Interventions and the Essence of Collaboration in Championing Mental Health in Ghana

Facilitated by: Prof. Benedict Weobong, Professor of Global Health, Yorke University, Canada & University of Ghana

DAY THREE

TOPIC: Ethical Concerns in Combating Mental Health in Ghana

Facilitated by: Dr. Divine Ndonbi Banyubala, Registrar, MDC

Rethinking Healthcare and Medical Ethics in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Facilitated by: Dr. Anthony Kwame Ardiabah, Expert in AI & Leadership

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND

i. Gain first-hand insight from top experts and policymakers in mental health and ethics.

ii. Acquire practical tools and research evidence to enhance clinical and community mental health practice.

iii. Earn 6 CPD points recognized by MDC, PC, NMC, AHPC, and Psychology Council.

iv. Network with multidisciplinary professionals across Ghana and beyond.

v. Participate in live discussions, polls, and Q&A sessions that encourage learning and shared experience.

vi. Contribute to shaping a national conversation on the future of mental health in Ghana.

ORGANIZED BY 

Catholic Health Professional’s Guild in Collaboration with Meet Health Needs (MeHeNeeds) Consortium

WITH SUPPORT FROM

PARTICIPANT CONSENT AND DATA PRIVACY NOTICE

By registering for the “Combating Mental Health in Ghana: Collaborative, Research and Ethical Approaches by Health Professionals” symposium, you consent to participate in this training hosted by Continuous Education Services (CES) on behalf of CATHPROG. Your registration information will be used solely to facilitate the event and process CPD accreditation through the Medical and Dental Council (MDC).

CES is fully committed to protecting your privacy and will not share your personal data with third parties, except the relevant regulatory bodies—MDC, Pharmacy Council, Allied Health Professions Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, and the Psychology Council—strictly for accreditation purposes.

You are free to withdraw or exit the virtual session at any time without consequence. CES ensures that all participant data and communications are handled with the highest level of confidentiality.