In a bid to address the rising cases of suicide and depression in Ghana, the Mental Health Authority partnered with suicide prevention NGO, Weinglo Family International, to promote the mental health benefits of physical activity, particularly regular exercise and sports. The theme of Weinglo Family International’s maiden event was “Changing the Narrative Through Sports – The Tennis Edition”.
According to the Mental Health Authority, physical activity is increasingly being recognized as a powerful tool in managing mental health challenges such as depression. Regular exercise, they say, helps restore healthy brain function, improve mood, and reduce stress, making it a valuable aid in suicide prevention.
One woman who has experienced the healing power of sport is Gloria Boatemaa Andoh, a mother of two and CEO of Weinglo Family International. She shared her journey of being overwhelmed by the pressures of motherhood and finding relief through tennis, explaining that the sport gave her a reason to keep going, helping her both physically and emotionally.
Motivated by her personal transformation, Gloria has made it her mission to encourage others battling suicidal thoughts or emotional distress to embrace physical activity as part of their recovery journey.
Seeing the impact of Gloria’s advocacy, Dr. Richard Appietu, owner of Reach Tennis Club, offered his venue and support for an awareness event dedicated to mental wellness. He explained that tennis is more than a game – it is about saving lives. He believes that if sports can be used to reduce suicide, then it is a game worth playing.
The collaboration brought together stakeholders, community members, and mental health professionals to shine a light on the mental health crisis and the potential for sports to offer hope and healing.
Dr. Eugene Dordoye, CEO of the Mental Health Authority, acknowledged the worrying trend of suicide-related deaths in Ghana and stressed the urgent need for proactive strategies.
He emphasized the need to make mental health services more mainstream, stating that prevention is key and that exercise is a tool that must not be ignored.
He further noted that the Authority is working to strengthen mental health interventions across the country’s health institutions, with a focus on accessible, preventive care.
Renowned broadcaster, Oheneyere Gifty Anti, also graced the event, candidly sharing her own struggles with mental health and how she found strength through support, faith, and activity. “We are human. And it’s okay to struggle sometimes,” she said. “What’s important is to find your way back.” Her presence added a powerful voice to the cause, encouraging others not to suffer in silence.
While the day was filled with matches, the core message was clear: Mental health matters, and exercise can save lives. Participants shared their thoughts, with many applauding the initiative and expressing a desire to see more events like it. Some said, “It’s a great initiative,” while others exclaimed, “I didn’t know exercise could help this much, we need more of this.”
As awareness grows, much support is needed, as sports is fast becoming one of Ghana’s most powerful tools in the fight against suicide and mental illness.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Nana Amma Acquah
