Since 2021, Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have reported around 1,300 cases of mental health disorders each year, post-COVID-19.

According to graphic.com.gh, the data highlights a significant prevalence of alcohol use disorder, affecting 70 percent of male officers among these cases.

Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), shared these concerning statistics. He has instructed the GAF's Department of Medical Services to launch an intensive campaign aimed at reducing mental health issues within the military forces.

"Mental health cases in the Ghana Armed Forces have risen since 2017, culminating in 614 recorded cases by the end of 2019 for both males and females. Post-COVID-19 statistics show a significant increase, with an average of about 1,300 cases each year from 2021 to 2023, with 70 percent being males," Maj. Gen. Oppong-Peprah stated.

He expressed particular concern over the high prevalence of alcohol use disorder, which topped the list of mental health issues, while addressing a conference marking the conclusion of the inaugural GAF Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week in Accra.

The conference, themed “Promoting the Mental Health of Men in a Gender Sensitive Armed Forces,” highlighted the severe impact of mental health issues, which are often overlooked within the army despite their devastating effects.

Maj. Gen. Oppong-Peprah emphasised that the stigma surrounding mental health leads to far-reaching detrimental impacts, causing many to develop suicidal tendencies.

The reluctance of affected officers to seek help sometimes results in actual suicide.

Globally, men are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than women, according to the World Health Organisation.

Despite the high rate of suicides among men, reported cases of depression—a significant risk factor for suicide—are lower among men, a disparity attributed to societal gender roles.

"A lot of responsibilities placed on men result in excessive pressure," Maj. Gen. Oppong-Peprah noted.

He urged the GAF personnel to support one another, speak out, and express their emotions freely to combat stigmatization and promote mental well-being.

"Let us all strive to avoid substance abuse, excessive alcohol, gambling, and unnecessary spending, and organise our finances to live healthier lives going forward," the CDS advised.

Anita Paddy, a senior clinical health psychologist at the Therapy and Wellness Department of the 37 Military Hospital, pointed out that globally, one out of every four individuals encounters mental health challenges at some stage in their lives.

According to the report, she noted that 450 million people worldwide are affected by mental health conditions, yet only one-third of them actively seek assistance.

Paddy underscored the significance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes maintaining good eating habits and ensuring adequate rest, to promote mental well-being.

Additionally, she highlighted the importance of engaging in hobbies and recreational activities as essential for maintaining mental health and encouraged personnel to openly discuss their emotions with colleagues or seek professional guidance to prevent detrimental behaviors.