The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), in partnership with the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), recently conducted a comprehensive two-day capacity training on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPS) at the Marlin Resort in Gomoa Fette in the Central Region.

 

The Two (2) day program took place from 23^rd -24^th October, 2023. This training programe aimed to empower some selected staff of the MELR and the Labour Department on improving their understanding of mental health and psychosocial well-being.

 

A total of 17 staff participated in the programme demonstrating the Ministry’s commitment to prioritizing the mental health of its workforce. The program was also a significant component of the 2023 National Sensitization and Awareness Creation Campaign, held annually in October to educate and inform the general public about the importance of mental health.

 

The training was also designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle issues related to emotional, psychosocial, and social well-being, both in their personal lives and the workplace.

 

During the opening ceremony, Rev. Charlotte Hanson, who heads the Public Affairs Unit (PAU) within the Ministry, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues, which often go unnoticed. She stressed that mental health challenges can have a profound impact on an individual's life and work productivity.

 

She highlighted a common misconception that is associated with mental health solely which is insanity, whereas it encompasses a wide range of issues, including emotional instability, harmful behaviors, and mistreatment of family members or coworkers. She urged all participants to actively engage in the training program, emphasizing that it offers a valuable opportunity for the team to address stress and related problems among employees.

 

Mr. Kwaku Yeboah, the Component Manager of GIZ in Ghana, also voiced his support for the program. He underlined the silent threat posed by depression, affecting a significant number of individuals, including workers. Recognizing the need for intervention, he said that the GIZ collaboration with the Ministry seeks to support staffs in achieving a stress-free life and enhance their productivity.

 

Some Topics such as conflict management, emotional intelligence, stress management, identification of signs and symptoms of stress and depression, and effective strategies for reducing stress.

 

The Programme was funded by the GIZ.