The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has reaffirmed her government’s commitment to prioritising mental health as a national issue of urgency and compassion.

In a speech delivered on her behalf at the launch of Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as Purple Month, the Vice President called for a national awakening on mental health, urging Ghanaians to confront the lingering stigma and silence that have long surrounded the subject.

The launch event, which took place in Accra and was attended by the Minister of Health, the leadership of the Mental Health Authority, and other key stakeholders, was themed: “Mental Wellness: My Voice Matters.”

“This theme is more than just a slogan,” Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s message emphasised.

“It is a rallying cry—a declaration of inclusion and a reaffirmation of the fundamental human right to be seen, to be heard, and to be supported.”

The Vice President expressed deep concern about the rise in mental health conditions in Ghana, citing a reported 20% increase in disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance use within the last two years. She lamented that these figures likely underrepresent the true scale of the issue, as stigma and limited access to care continue to prevent many from seeking help.

“Too many of our brothers, sisters, and children continue to suffer in silence,” the speech stated.

“This silence is not benign—it is dangerous and costly.”

Prof Opoku-Agyemang noted that the current administration, led by President John Dramani Mahama, is working to make mental healthcare more accessible and affordable.

Initiatives include strengthening infrastructure, expanding community-based services, and empowering the Mental Health Authority to better fulfill its mandate.

However, the Vice President stressed that government efforts alone are not enough.

“Real and lasting change must be driven by all of us—civil society, educators, traditional authorities, families, and individuals,” she said.

“We each have a role to play.”

She urged Ghanaians to speak up, support those facing mental health challenges, and create safe spaces where vulnerability is met with empathy, not judgment.

Closing her address, the Vice President delivered a powerful message of hope and inclusion:
“Your voice matters. Your story matters. Our collective well-being matters.

Let us lift our voices together, so that no Ghanaian feels alone in their struggle.”