In October 2023, the spillage of the Akosombo Dam precipitated catastrophic flooding in some districts of the Jap, Volta, and Larger Accra regions, displacing thousands of oldsters and leaving a lumber of destruction. For many, the flood was once better than a physical catastrophe—it was once a profound emotional shock. Families awoke to rep their properties submerged, their property destroyed, and their lives grew to became the other scheme up. The shortcoming of properties, livelihood, and the uncertainty of what lay forward created an incredible sense of dismay and despair amongst the affected communities.
The psychological affect of the catastrophe was once a ways-reaching. Children struggled with the trauma of shedding their safe spaces, whereas dad and mom battled feelings of helplessness as they confronted an risky future. Scientific examiners, plenty of whom had been furthermore victims of the flood, chanced on themselves below basic rigidity to offer care and serve to others whereas dealing with their very beget wound. For these with pre-fresh mental health conditions, the catastrophe worsened their struggles, and others started experiencing signs of dismay, depression, and post-annoying stress.
Public health emergencies care for the floods precipitated by the Akosombo dam spillage customarily present a important yet lost sight of of such mess ups—the rigidity on mental health. Left unaddressed, these challenges can hinder restoration efforts and leave lengthy-term scars on the affected populations. Recognizing this, the World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from UK in Ghana, stepped in to address the pressing need for mental health and psychosocial serve services.
Dr. Leveana Gyimah, Technical Officer for Psychological Health at WHO, emphasised the importance of prioritizing mental health for the duration of public emergencies:
“Floods and other natural disasters don’t just destroy property—they leave deep emotional scars. The psychological impact can be long-lasting, affecting not just individuals but entire communities. By integrating mental health and psychosocial support into the flood response, we’ve been able to bring relief to those most affected and build the capacity of health workers to address these needs.”
Amongst the more than a few beneficiaries of this program was once Richard Sedem Ahakutor, a mental health nurse from Sogakope, who experienced mental health challenges for the duration of the catastrophe. “The flood was overwhelming. I lost everything, and at the same time, I was expected to help others cope. It became too much to handle. Thanks to the support I received through this intervention, I was able to get back on my feet and continue supporting my community,” he shared.
Dr. Senanu Kwesi Dzokoto, Volta Regional Director of Ghana Health Companies and products, highlighted the broader affect of the initiative. He acknowledged, “Emergencies like this expose the gaps in our mental health support systems. WHO’s collaboration with the Mental Health Authority has allowed us to respond effectively to the needs of flood victims, ensuring that both residents and health workers receive the help they deserve. This intervention has been a critical step toward building a more resilient health system.”
To be sure that the affected other folks obtained holistic care, scientific psychologists and psychiatrists had been deployed to offer counseling and specialists psychiatrists services. Dr. Richard Dei-Asamoa, a scientific psychologist and psychiatrist at Korle-Bu Instructing Hospital, reflected on the importance of mental health services in catastrophe scenarios:
“Mental health is often overlooked during emergencies, but it is one of the most critical aspects of recovery. People need help to process their grief, anxiety, and trauma. This initiative has demonstrated how integrating mental health and psychosocial support services into disaster response can truly transform lives and communities.”
This collaborative effort has introduced reduction and hope to these plagued by the Akosombo floods, demonstrating that addressing mental health is dazzling as important as offering meals, safe haven, and medical care for the duration of emergencies. As a result of funding from UK in Ghana, the initiative has bolstered mental health programs within the distance, leaving a lasting affect on the lives of survivors and health workers alike.
For Extra Information or to Ask Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Station of labor
Email: abdullahiea [at] who.int (abdullahiea[at]who[dot]int)
Tel: +233 20 196 2393
