Ghana: Bringing mental health promotion closer to communities

World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with Ghana Health Service (GHS) has supported an initiative to strengthen psychological resilience among people in correctional settings and those who support them. The initiative included an orientation session that brought together 144 GHS staff members and 27 male inmates of the Senior Correctional Centre in Accra, equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills to manage stress, strengthen coping mechanisms, and promote mental well-being. The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to expand mental health promotion beyond health facilities and into communities and institutions where people live, work, and interact. People in correctional settings often face unique psychological and social challenges, including uncertainty about the future, separation from family, limited social support, and the pressures associated with rehabilitation. Staff working in these environments are also exposed to occupational stressors that can affect their own mental well-being. The orientation provided participants with practical tools to build resilience, practice self-care, and better support themselves and others. The session also crea