The Acting Director-General of Pantang Hospital, Dr Yennusom Maalug, has highlighted stigma as one of the most significant obstacles preventing Ghanaians from seeking mental health care.

Speaking in an interview on ATV on Monday, 23 February, on the topic “Health Challenges Facing Ghanaian Youth,” Dr Maalug said that many people avoid seeking treatment because they fear being judged or labelled.

Some individuals, he noted, worry that visiting a mental health facility could lead to social discrimination, even in professional and educational settings.

Although public awareness and attitudes toward mental health have improved, he said stigma continues to discourage people from acknowledging their struggles and accessing care.

“One in ten Ghanaians at any given time lives with a mental health condition,” Dr Maalug stated. “It could be you, it could be me. There is no health without mental health. Yet many hide their conditions because they fear societal judgement.”

He emphasised that raising awareness through public education and open conversations, like those being held on ATV, is crucial. These discussions, he said, help people understand that it is normal to struggle and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Dr Maalug also urged families, communities, and workplaces to be more understanding and supportive. Recognising symptoms early, expressing emotions, and seeking professional care can prevent conditions from worsening and improve outcomes for individuals and society.

“Stigma should not stand in the way of treatment,” he said. “We must create an environment where people feel safe to talk about mental health and access care without fear of shame.”

The Pantang Hospital DG further noted that untreated mental health issues can affect productivity, national development, and economic growth, reinforcing the need for broader societal support and destigmatisation efforts.