The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Mental Health Authority, Dr. Eugene K. Dordoye, has underscored the critical role of mental health in national development, stressing that a country’s ability to create wealth and achieve prosperity depends largely on the mental well-being of its people.
Speaking at the Onua Mental Health Forum under the theme: “Breaking the Silence, Building a Culture of Mental Well-being” on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Dr. Dordoye said good mental health is fundamental to individual success and collective national progress.
According to him, the human mind remains the most important tool for innovation, productivity and economic growth, making mental well-being an essential component of development.
“Good mental health well-being is what makes every country create wealth. For you to be successful, it depends on how you use the mind to do what you want to do,” he stated.
Dr. Dordoye noted that although discussions around mental health may not have received the attention they deserve in the past, it is encouraging that efforts are being made to bring the issue back into the national conversation.
He described the renewed focus on mental health as an important step in addressing a critical aspect of public health and social development.
“If we have ignored conversations about good mental health for a while and now we are going back to it, it is ‘Sankofa na yentwi’,” he remarked.
Dr. Dordoye commended Onua TV and Onua FM for initiating the dialogue, describing the programme as timely and worthwhile.
He expressed hope that the discussions would contribute to greater public awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek support when needed.
The Mental Health Authority CEO further called on all stakeholders, including policymakers, health professionals, media organisations and the public, to work together to promote positive mental health across the country.
“Let us all hope for better mental health and let us build a healthier and more prosperous nation,” he urged.
