Don’t ignore mental health at work – Psychologist tells Ghanaian businesses
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Clinical Psychologist Robertson David Mfordwo has called on businesses in Ghana to prioritize mental health in the workplace, warning that neglecting employees’ psychological well-being is harming productivity and overall organizational health.
Speaking on Zed FM’s Business Breakfast on Friday, May 23, Mr. Mfordwo stressed the need for companies to engage professional psychologists to conduct regular assessments of their staff—at least once a month.
“Mental health support is a critical yet often missing component of workplace culture,” he said. “Consistent psychological evaluations could help identify early signs of distress and allow for timely intervention before issues escalate.”
His comments come amid rising concerns about the mental toll of work-related stress, especially in environments where emotional well-being is often overlooked in favor of performance metrics.
“Many organizations continue to overlook the emotional needs of their staff, focusing solely on output while ignoring the human aspect of their operations,” Mr. Mfordwo noted.
He highlighted that depression remains one of the most common mental health conditions globally, affecting more than 280 million people according to the World Health Organization—many of whom experience symptoms linked to workplace stress.
In Ghana, the situation is further compounded by limited access to psychological care in corporate spaces. Mr. Mfordwo pointed to stigma, inadequate support systems, and lack of awareness as key barriers to addressing mental health issues effectively.
He urged companies to implement structured mental health programs that include regular psychological assessments, confidential counselling, and ongoing mental health education.
“Let us not only focus on the physical health of employees but also factor in their mental health,” Mr. Mfordwo emphasized. He also called on leaders to lead by example: “Leadership must set the tone by fostering open conversations around mental well-being and removing the stigma associated with seeking help.”
