In response to growing concerns over mental health challenges in the workplace, the Guidance and Counselling Department of Accra Technical University has organised a health sensitisation programme on Thursday, June 6, 2025, at the University Auditorium. The event, held in collaboration with health professionals from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, focused primarily on cases of anxiety and depression among staff and students, with additional insights on the resurgence of monkeypox as a public health concern.

The event formed part of the University’s continuous efforts to promote emotional well-being and foster a healthy working and learning environment. The keynote mental health presentation, delivered by Mrs. Elizabeth Yeboah, a mental health specialist, highlighted the alarming surge in anxiety-related conditions among staff, emphasising that many cases go undetected due to a lack of awareness, stigma, and misinterpretation of symptoms.

Participants were guided through various types of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety, panic disorders, and post-traumatic stress, with emphasis on how these conditions subtly affect daily productivity, social interactions, and decision-making. Common symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, emotional withdrawal, indecision, and recurring worry were outlined to help staff identify early warning signs in themselves and their colleagues.

The discussion also shed light on the widespread misunderstanding of mental health in Ghanaian society, where procrastination and emotional fatigue are often dismissed or misunderstood. The session corrected such misconceptions, portraying them as indicators of deeper psychological stress rather than simple behavioural lapses.

In a practical turn, staff were introduced to simple yet effective coping mechanisms, including mindfulness, emotional processing, and reflective thinking. Attendees were encouraged to normalise conversations about mental health and to seek professional help as an essential step toward recovery and resilience.

While the mental health discussion dominated the session, a segment was also devoted to raising awareness about monkeypox. Health officials from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital warned against self-diagnosis, stressing the need for laboratory confirmation due to its close resemblance to chickenpox. Although no vaccines are yet available in Ghana, strict adherence to preventive guidelines is recommended.

The Director of the Guidance and Counselling Department, Dr. Evelyn Bentil, reaffirmed her outfit’s commitment to organising such initiatives, recognising the link between emotional well-being and academic or workplace productivity, and called for the University to mainstream mental health education and support services across all departments.