At a time when mental health services remain scarce and often under-prioritized in Ghana’s northern regions, one man has carved a distinct path of leadership and impact.
Mr Peter Mintir Amadu, a Clinical Health Psychologist and Lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS), is widely celebrated as a trailblazer in advancing mental health and psychosocial support across Northern Ghana.
Born in Bawku in the Upper East Region and a native of Denugu in the Garu District, Mr Amadu’s educational journey began at the St. Anne’s R/C School in Damongo, continued through St. Charles Minor Seminary in Tamale, and progressed to higher education at the College of Nursing, Tamale, the College of Health, Kintampo, the University of Cape Coast, and UDS, where he earned diplomas, a first degree, a master’s, and currently pursuing a PhD.
Beyond academia, Mr Amadu has established himself as a pioneering practitioner and advocate for mental health.
He founded the Total Life Enhancement Centre Ghana (TOLECGH) in Tamale, the first private psychology clinic in Northern Ghana. Through TOLECGH, he introduced innovative models such as the ART-LE/PE framework for drug abuse prevention and piloted rehabilitation services for substance abuse victims.
He is also a sought-after conference speaker both locally and internationally.
TOLECGH has become a household name in mental health and psychosocial support delivery, serving vulnerable groups including students, persons with disabilities, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, alleged witches, prisoners, and youth battling substance use. Its digital platform, PsychConnect, leverages social media to deliver psychological services to young people, while its trauma-informed care approach shapes interventions for communities and frontline workers in conflict-affected and high-risk environments.
Mr Amadu has integrated mental health into peacebuilding processes, promoted maternal mental health, and provided extensive support for survivors of violence and marginalization. His leadership has positioned TOLECGH as a trusted partner for civil society organizations in Northern Ghana.
His remarkable contributions have earned him national and international recognition. In 2021, he received a Meritorious Service Award from the President of Ghana for his psychological support during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since been honoured by the Ghana Psychological Association, the National Union of Ghanaian Students (NUGS), and other institutions for his distinguished works.
In 2025 alone, TOLECGH nominated him among the 100 Most Impactful Personalities in Africa’s Education Sector by the Global Skills Hub in the United Kingdom, alongside several other awards for excellence in mental health advocacy.
Currently serving as Vice President of the Ghana Psychological Association (GPA), Mr Amadu is also affiliated with the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Pan-African Psychological Union (PAPU). His passion for advocacy, psychotherapy, research, and mentorship continues to inspire a new generation of mental health practitioners.
Married with three children, Mr Peter Mintir Amadu embodies resilience, service, and vision. Through his personal and professional journey, he is not only breaking barriers in mental health service delivery, but also building a sustainable legacy of healing, empowerment, and hope in Northern Ghana.