The Psychiatric Unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, in collaboration with the Yim Awere Traditional Council, has organized a free mental and medical health screening for residents within the Yim Awere Traditional Area.
The exercise, held last Tuesday at the Yim Awere Ababio Dwabirem, was under the auspices of Toasehene Nana Yim Awere Ababio and Toasehemaa Nana Amonu Gyamfuaa Serwaa Bonsu.
It formed part of efforts to increase public awareness on mental health and promote regular health checks in rural communities.
Toasehene Nana Yim Awere Ababio whiles away noted that mental health is often neglected despite its critical role in overall wellbeing.
He said many people prioritize physical ailments while downplaying the need for frequent mental health checks.
“People have undermined frequent checkups of our mental health but rather think of other diseases as more crucial,” he said.
“Apart from the heart being the main source of our body system, the brain also has its special duty,” the chief added, emphasizing that mental health must receive the same attention as physical health.
He commended the KATH team for bringing specialist care closer to the people and urged community members to make mental health screening a regular part of their health routine.
On behalf of the KATH Medical team, Afia Serwaa Ntim educated attendees on the importance of early detection and management of mental health conditions.
She encouraged residents to avoid self-medication and stigma, and to seek professional help when experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.
She also urged participants to adopt healthy lifestyles and do regular medical checkups to detect and manage conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases early.
Residents who benefited from the screening expressed appreciation to Toasehene and Toasehemaa for their commitment to community welfare. Prayers were offered for the traditional leaders, with many commending their selfless service and continuous investment in the health and development of communities within the Yim Awere Traditional Area.
The program underscores growing collaboration between health institutions and traditional authorities to bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly in mental health, which remains under-prioritized in many Ghanaian communities.
Organizers say similar outreach programs will be sustained to ensure residents receive timely education and medical support closer to home.
