Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has called for stronger partnerships between traditional leaders, clergy, and educational authorities to roll out comprehensive counselling programs aimed at addressing indiscipline and violence in schools.
Dr. Apaak expressed concern over the rising incidents of conflict between students and teachers, warning that such trends are detrimental to the academic environment. His remarks came during the 10th graduation ceremony of the Oheneba Dornyo University College of Counselling Psychology, where I45 students received Executive Certificate in Counselling. The institution is affiliated with Trinity Theological Seminary in Accra.
Addressing stakeholders and traditional leaders, Dr. Apaak issued a passionate plea:
“To our government officials, traditional leaders, and educational heads, I humbly offer this challenge: Let us elevate counselling from the margins to the mainstream. We must intentionally train and place professional counsellors in every school to combat bullying, manage academic pressure, and support students in times of confusion.”
He continued, emphasizing the need for mental health services across all sectors:
“Every hospital must support not just patients, but families and overwhelmed medical staff. Every church and mosque must be equipped to handle depression, trauma, and marital conflict through both spiritual and psychological care. Every workplace must build emotionally healthy teams to prevent burnout. Let us normalize therapy, de-stigmatize mental health, and invest in healing,” he said.
Rev. Professor Samuel Oheneba-Dornyo, President of the Oheneba Dornyo University College of Counselling Psychology (ODUCCP), also stressed the vital role counselling plays in Ghana’s socio-economic development.
“Our society is plagued with unresolved psychological issues—people who are emotionally wounded, who have lost trust and confidence. This is why we are training counsellors: to help reduce mental health challenges affecting people’s thoughts, sleep, and overall well-being. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and other lifestyle diseases are on the rise due to unaddressed psychological distress,” he said.
Rev. Prof. Oheneba-Dornyo explained that the University is training not only medical doctors, but also pastors and imams, equipping them to provide holistic care that includes physiological, spiritual, and psychological support.
Since its establishment in 2014, ODUCCP has trained over 1,000 professionals, including lawyers and educators. The institution continues to collaborate with Trinity Theological Seminary and the Ghana Psychological Society to strengthen the capacity of counsellors in today’s complex world.
With rising concerns about drug abuse and mental health issues in the country, Dr. Apaak concluded by urging the government, media, and all stakeholders to intensify efforts to meet the psychosocial needs of Ghanaians.
The graduation ceremony was held under the theme: “The Art of Healing the Soul, Restoring Hopes, and Renewing Lives.”
