UG and Johnson & Johnson Sign MOU to Tackle Mental Health Stigma and Expand Access to Care for University community
Efforts to improve mental health support for the University community have advanced with the signing of an MOU between the University of Ghana and Johnson and Johnson Ghana.
Under the terms of the MOU, the collaboration will leverage the strengths of both organisations to facilitate the ‘Resilient Minds Future Leaders Programme,’ designed to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental health disorders. The programme will build capacity while promoting a holistic understanding of mental health through preventative measures and early interventions, particularly concerning schizophrenia, ultimately enhancing the health and quality of life for all members of the University.
The agreement, signed during a ceremony at the New Council Chamber, UG, reflects the University’s dedication to delivering a transformative student experience, supporting faculty and staff, and strengthening engagement and partnerships.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, emphasised the need to integrate mental wellness into the University’s broader mission for global impact.
“Our vision is to achieve global impact. Without stable mental health, we will not be able to do that even in our immediate community, let alone globally,” she said. “Johnson & Johnson, you saw into the vision. Thank you very much for coming on board. I look forward to this project becoming impactful for members of our community and beyond.”
Prof. Amfo also proposed that the UG Careers and Counselling Directorate consider dedicating a full week annually in May as a UG Mental Health Week, complementing year-round awareness efforts.
Mr. Emmanuel Asante Antwi, Country Manager for Johnson & Johnson, Ghana remarked that “For over six decades, Johnson & Johnson has been committed to enhancing the lives of individuals affected by mental illness. Mental health is essential for the strength of our communities, requiring a collaborative approach to overcome barriers to access and ensure equality for all. Our partnership with the University of Ghana showcases our steadfast dedication to prioritising mental health in Ghana.”
Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar of the University of Ghana, highlighted the MOU’s alignment with the University’s strategic priorities. “We are looking to give our students a transformational student experience while focusing on the welfare of our faculty and staff. This project would help build up the skills of staff in the Careers and Counselling Directorate and University Health Services, giving them the capacity to create awareness and respond better to mental health needs.”
Director of the Careers and Counselling Directorate, Rev. Dr. Bridget Ben-Naimah, affirmed her unit’s readiness to engage in the partnerships.
She also outlined upcoming activities under the partnership. “We are leveraging the World Schizophrenia Day on May 24 to create awareness through visual materials. On July 11, we will host the DCODED Show at the Cedi Conference Centre to discuss schizophrenia and community response. We also look forward to collaborating on World Suicide Prevention Day and World Mental Health Day later in the year.”
Dr. Moses Nuwor of the University Health Services Directorate described the timing of the partnership as crucial. “Mental health forms the core of our lives. We should all have a key interest in dealing with issues relating to mental health. I believe with the upcoming programmes, through education and awareness to reduce stigma, it will go a long way to help not just students, but staff and the University community at large.”
Ghana faces serious challenges in mental health care, with an estimated treatment gap of over 98%. Despite the prevalence of psychological distress, access to timely and effective care remains limited, largely due to stigma, underfunding and inadequate resources.
This partnership will promote holistic mental health support, while equipping university stakeholders with the tools to create inclusive and stigma-free environments.
