The Director-General of Pantang Hospital, Dr Yennusom Maalug, has urged employers to create supportive work environments that encourage staff to seek help for mental health challenges without fear of stigma or discrimination.

Speaking during an interview on ATV on the topic “Health Challenges Facing Ghanaian Youth,” Dr Maalug said stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing individuals, including employees, from accessing mental health care.

Many workers, he noted, are reluctant to seek treatment because they fear being labelled or judged, particularly if they are seen visiting psychiatric facilities.

Although public attitudes have improved over time, he said the fear of being tagged still discourages many from speaking openly about their struggles.

Dr Maalug emphasised that mental health conditions are common and should not be treated differently from other medical conditions. Citing studies, he noted that one in ten Ghanaians at any given time is living with a mental health condition.

“There is no health without mental health,” he stated, adding that mental health challenges can affect anyone, including professionals in the workplace.

According to him, untreated mental health conditions can significantly impact productivity and national development. When trained professionals — such as doctors, bankers, teachers, and other skilled workers — are unable to function effectively due to mental health challenges, the country risks losing valuable human capital.

In cases where the state has invested in educating and training individuals, the economic loss can be substantial if those individuals are unable to contribute fully to society.

Dr Maalug therefore called on organisations to strengthen workplace support systems. He noted that many institutions now have Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and mental health policies designed to provide counselling and other support services to staff. He described this as a positive and necessary development.

Mental health conditions, he explained, can develop at any time, depending on the stresses employees face both at work and in their personal lives. Early intervention through counselling and professional care can prevent conditions from worsening and help employees remain productive.

He urged supervisors and employers to adopt a compassionate approach when dealing with staff experiencing difficulties. Rather than immediately resorting to punitive measures, leaders should listen, seek to understand the underlying issues, and guide employees toward appropriate support services.

Creating open conversations around mental health in the workplace, he added, will help reduce stigma and encourage early treatment.