The second runner-up of Miss Edina Bakatue 2026, Abigail Jobina Tandoh, popularly known as Jobina, has officially begun implementing her flagship community project, Jobi's Tym, an advocacy initiative dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and preventing gender-based violence among young people in Elmina, Komenda, Cape Coast and surrounding communities.

The initiative seeks to provide a safe platform where young people can openly discuss issues affecting their mental well-being, including academic pressure, family challenges, relationship difficulties, financial hardship, bullying and social expectations. Through engaging conversations with psychologists, counsellors, health professionals, educators, faith leaders and individuals with lived experiences, the programme will offer practical guidance, hope and pathways to professional support.

The project also places a strong emphasis on preventing gender-based violence by educating young people on healthy relationships, respect, consent, self-worth and the importance of speaking out against abuse.

The initiative comes at a critical time. The Central Region is home to thousands of young people in fishing and tourism communities where unemployment, economic hardship, school-related pressures and social vulnerabilities continue to affect the emotional well-being of adolescents and young adults. While these challenges are often visible, mental health struggles remain largely hidden because of stigma and limited access to support services.

Research in Ghana continues to show significant gaps in mental health care, with many people experiencing mental, neurological and substance use conditions remaining undiagnosed or untreated due to inadequate services, low awareness and persistent stigma. ([PubMed Central (PMC)][1])

Gender-based violence remains another pressing concern. Studies in Ghana indicate that violence against women and girls—including physical, emotional and psychological abuse—continues to affect many families, with numerous incidents going unreported because of fear, shame and social stigma. These experiences often leave lasting mental health consequences for survivors, including anxiety, depression and trauma. ([Wikipedia][2])

For communities such as Elmina, Komenda and Cape Coast, where schools, tertiary institutions, fishing communities and expanding urban populations converge, sustained public education on mental wellness and violence prevention has become increasingly important. Empowering young people with knowledge, resilience and access to support can help prevent crises before they occur while fostering healthier homes, schools and communities.

Speaking about the project, Jobina noted that "every young person deserves to be heard, understood and supported. Mental health should never be ignored, and no one should suffer abuse in silence. Through Jobi's Tym, we want to inspire hope, encourage open conversations and connect young people to the help they need."

Organisers of Miss Edina Bakatue have welcomed the initiative, describing it as an excellent example of how pageantry can be used as a platform for community transformation. The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on Good Health and Well-being and SDG 5 on Gender Equality by promoting mental wellness, safeguarding vulnerable persons and advocating for violence-free communities.

To ensure the initiative reaches more young people, Jobi's Tym is calling on corporate organisations, educational institutions, health professionals, civil society organisations, development partners, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations and the media to join the campaign. Through partnerships, sponsorships, technical support and community outreach, stakeholders can help expand mental health education, strengthen referral systems and create safe spaces where young people can thrive.

As the initiative begins its outreach across the Central Region, Jobi's Tym carries a simple but powerful message: every conversation can save a life, every voice matters, and every community has a role to play in protecting the mental well-being and dignity of its young people.