The Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG) has renewed its call for the inclusion of mental health care in the country’s disaster response systems to ensure survivors and first responders receive adequate psychological support.
Executive Secretary of MEHSOG, Humphrey Matey Kofie, said on Monday that while Ghana had made progress in managing the physical and humanitarian impacts of disasters, the mental health of victims remained one of the most overlooked areas in national recovery plans.
Speaking in an interview with The Africa Standard, Mr Kofie said disasters often leave behind emotional wounds that take far longer to heal than physical damage.
He noted that incidents such as the Akosombo Dam spillage, the Apeatse explosion, ethnic conflicts in the Northern Region, and the recent flooding in Ga South had left thousands displaced and traumatized.
“Beyond the destruction of homes and property, disasters leave invisible scars on the minds of affected people. While food, shelter, and medical supplies are essential, psychological and emotional healing must also be prioritized,” Mr Kofie said.
He explained that despite the commendable efforts by the Mental Health Authority, the Ghana Psychological Association, and the Psychiatric Association of Ghana, mental health services during emergencies were often poorly coordinated or completely left out.
“There seems to be no clear pathway for integrating mental health into emergency operations, which often results in such services being underrated or missing altogether,” he said.
Mr Kofie called on the Mental Health Authority (MHA) and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to take the lead in creating a national framework that defines how mental health care should be delivered during disasters.
He suggested that this framework should include a practice manual that guides response agencies in providing psychological first aid and post-disaster counseling.
According to him, training first responders in basic psychosocial support would help reduce trauma, strengthen recovery, and save lives.
Mr Kofie said such a structured system would also improve coordination among relevant institutions, including the Ghana Health Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and the Ambulance Service.
He noted that the integration of mental health services into emergency response would not only help survivors but also safeguard the well-being of rescue workers and volunteers who often suffer from emotional exhaustion.
“First responders witness devastating scenes during emergencies. Without counseling and mental health support, they can suffer burnout, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress,” he explained.
Mr Kofie warned that neglecting the psychological needs of survivors and responders could hinder national recovery and long-term community resilience.
He further highlighted that environmental challenges such as illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, also had psychological impacts.
“Mercury pollution of water bodies is not just an environmental issue. It causes anxiety, fear, and uncertainty among communities who depend on these resources for survival,” he said.
Mr Kofie commended NADMO, the Ghana Health Service, and other emergency agencies for their ongoing disaster management efforts but said the system must evolve to meet modern challenges.
He said the government must take steps to integrate mental health care into all levels of national emergency planning, from prevention to recovery.
Public education, he added, should be strengthened to help communities build emotional resilience and develop coping mechanisms before disasters strike.
“People need to understand that mental well-being is just as important as physical safety in the face of disasters,” he said.
Mr Kofie urged the government to allocate resources for training, counseling, and community-based mental health programs that could respond rapidly when disasters occur.
He also called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to create sustainable mental health interventions during emergencies.
Development partners and donor agencies, he said, should consider supporting Ghana’s efforts to build a national disaster response system that prioritizes both body and mind.
“Rebuilding lives after disasters must be holistic,” Mr Kofie emphasized. “When mental health care is integrated into recovery, communities heal faster and stronger.”
He concluded by saying that mental health must become a permanent pillar of disaster management if Ghana is to achieve its goal of becoming a safer and mentally healthier nation.
