President Mahama Calls for Mental Health Support for Police Officers

President John Dramani Mahama has called for improved mental health support for police officers, urging the Ghana Police Service to ensure that personnel exposed to violence, tragedy and distress have access to counselling and appropriate treatment.

He made the call at the commissioning of an 85-bed block at the Police Hospital, where he stressed that the welfare of officers must extend beyond physical healthcare to include their psychological well-being.

“Repeated exposure to violence, tragedy and distress can take a lasting toll on officers,” the President said.

He urged the Service to make mental health support, counselling and appropriate treatment accessible to officers and ensure that they could seek help without fear or stigma.

President Mahama noted that police officers routinely respond to emergencies, confront violent crime and work long hours to maintain peace in communities, placing considerable demands on their physical and mental health.

He said the country had a responsibility to ensure that officers received timely and quality healthcare when injured or unwell, while also supporting their families, whose sacrifices often enabled them to perform their duties.

“When officers know that their health and welfare are being taken seriously, they can serve with greater confidence and focus,” he said.

The President added that access to appropriate healthcare was closely linked to operational readiness and national security, as officers who received the necessary support would be better placed to perform their duties.

He urged the management of the Police Hospital and healthcare professionals to provide care with dignity, compassion and professionalism, noting that every patient deserved to be treated with respect.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD