We don't take mental health seriously in Ghana - MC Yaa Yeboah

Ghanaian media personality MC Yaa Yeboah has made a passionate plea for the nation to prioritize mental health, especially among the youth.

According to her, many mental health cases in the country could have been prevented if they were detected early and if the mental health sector was taken seriously.

Speaking on United Showbiz on UTV, aired on May 18, 2024, MC Yaa Yeboah cited the situation where immediate action is taken in other countries when a child's mental health concerns are identified.

She critiqued the local approach to mental health, which often involves ignoring the issue or urging individuals to simply endure their struggles.

This, she believes, forces many in the creative industry to suppress their struggles and still do their jobs as entertainers.

"Mental health is not something you can spot quickly until it manifests itself in the open.

"In other countries, kids go through things at age 12, but immediately their parents find out, they quickly take them for treatment or psychological help.

"In this country, we don't take mental health seriously. When someone is going through something, we tell them to endure it.

"That is why there are a lot of creatives going through things, but they have to bottle it up and still do their jobs as entertainers. They could be having issues at home, but the audience doesn't care.

"You can think you have a strong head and can go through such things. But you will be shocked the day it breaks you," she said on the show hosted by MzGee.

She was speaking in light of videos going viral on social media showing popular musician Okomfour Kwadee in a deteriorated state.

Yeboah urged family elders and the community to assist those in need, like Kwadee, in finding the necessary support, whether it be through rehabilitation or spiritual guidance.

"Okomfour Kwadee was one of the most sought-after artists in the country. But now, we don't know what he went through to get to that level, yet people take their 10 cedis data to write nonsense about him.

"I beg the elders in the family to resolve this matter and assist him in seeking help. I hope he gets the necessary help, either through rehab or spiritual help," she said.

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