Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC has announced a strategic partnership with the University of Ghana aimed at improving access to mental health care for members of the university community.
The agreement was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a ceremony at the University’s New Council Chamber, marking a significant step toward addressing mental health challenges among Ghanaian youth.
Ghana faces a major mental health crisis, with limited access to care, stigma, and resource constraints contributing to a treatment gap exceeding 98%. An estimated 21% of adult Ghanaians are believed to suffer from moderate to severe psychological distress at any given time.
“Mental health is essential for the strength of our communities, requiring a collaborative approach to overcome barriers to access and ensure equality for all,” said Emmanuel Antwi, Country Manager of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine in Ghana.
“Our partnership with the University of Ghana reflects our long-standing commitment to supporting individuals affected by mental illness. We aim to build inclusive, stigma-free care models and strengthen access to essential mental health resources.”
Under the MoU, the two institutions will implement the Resilient Minds Future Leaders Program — an initiative designed to raise awareness, combat stigma, and build capacity among key university stakeholders.
The program will focus on prevention, early intervention, and education, especially concerning conditions like schizophrenia, to improve overall mental well-being on campus.
In addition to awareness campaigns, the initiative will include capacity-building and disease-awareness training for staff involved in mental health service delivery.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo emphasised the importance of addressing mental health challenges proactively.
She called for a sustained, campus-wide mental health awareness campaign throughout the year to ensure that no one is left behind.
“This collaboration is a timely and critical intervention that will help us build a more supportive environment for students and staff,” she noted.
The initiative is part of Johnson & Johnson’s broader commitment to mental health, spanning over six decades, with a renewed focus on creating accessible, community-based support systems globally.
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