Story: Flight Sergeant Obed A

Pictures: Corporal Dodoo ND

As part of activities marking the Mental Health Awareness Month, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) organised a quiz competition at the Burma Hall on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

The competition, which brought together participants from the Ghana Army, Ghana Navy and Ghana Air Force, was organised on the theme “Mental Health for Operational Readiness in GAF.”

The quiz featured four rounds, namely General Knowledge, Crossword Puzzle, Problem of the Day and Creativity.

At the end of the competition, the Ghana Navy secured the first position with 70 points, followed closely by the Ghana Army with 69 points while the Ghana Air Force placed third with 63 points.

Delivering the keynote address as Guest of Honour, the former Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Medical Services for GAF, Major General Raymond Kwablah Ewusi (Rtd), underscored the importance of mental health in maintaining operational effectiveness within the military.

He noted that the Ghana Armed Forces had over the years, maintained a proud tradition of service to the nation and international peace support operations, often under very challenging operational conditions.

Major General Ewusi (Rtd) mentioned that military personnel are exposed to numerous occupational stresses, including rigorous training, combat situations, prolonged separation from family and traumatic operational experiences, which could negatively affect their mental well-being.

He explained that such experiences increase the risk of mental health disorders and stressed that operational success depended not only on physical preparedness but also on psychologically healthy and resilient troops.

He called for greater attention to the psychological health and safety of military personnel, especially considering the relatively youthful nature of military populations.

The retired General noted that misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health issues often discouraged personnel from seeking professional support for fear of negatively affecting their military careers. He however, assured personnel that the Ghana Armed Forces remained committed to strengthening mental health support systems through its Health Services and Department of Religious Affairs.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the GAF Mental Health Policy Draft Committee, Colonel Francis Bannerman, stated that the proposed policy sought to ensure that personnel had access to the support needed to remain mentally strong, focused and mission-ready.

He explained that the policy recognised the unique pressures associated with military duties and emphasised that mental fitness played a critical role in operational readiness.

Colonel Bannerman indicated that the policy would focus on prevention, early identification, treatment and recovery.‎

He mentioned that personnel would receive education on stress management, resilience and maintaining mental strength, while systems would also be put in place to identify challenges early and provide counselling, medical care and rehabilitation where necessary.

He further highlighted key areas of concern under the policy including stress-related conditions, substance misuse, depression, anxiety and suicide prevention.

The Chairman encouraged personnel to seek help early whenever they experienced mental health challenges and urged leaders at all levels to create supportive environments where personnel felt safe to speak up without fear of stigma.

He reiterated that seeking professional help should be viewed as a sign of strength and responsibility rather than weakness.

The event was attended by serving and retired senior officers as well as other stakeholders who shared valuable insights on mental health awareness, prevention and management.