Dr Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister of Education, has called for investment in the mental and emotional well-being of the citizens.
The Minister underscored the need to normalize therapy, de-stigmatize mental health, and fund healing to address the emotional challenges.
The Deputy Minister said this in a speech read on his behalf at the 10th graduation ceremony of the Oheneba-Dornyo University College of Counselling Psychology (ODUCCP) in Accra, where 145 students graduated from the institution.
It was on the theme: “The Art of Healing the Soul: Restoring Hope, Renewing Lives.”
Dr Apaak said the country must intentionally place trained counsellors in every school to combat bullying and other academic pressure.
“We need counsellors in every hospital to support patients, families, and overwhelmed medical staff.
“We need them in every church and mosque to address depression, trauma, and marital conflict with spiritual and
psychological care.

“At workplace, we need counsellors to build emotionally healthy teams and prevent burnout,” he said.
He commended the university as Ghana’s first and finest institution dedicated solely to the training of professional Christian counsellors.
That, he stated, reinforced that academic excellence must meet spiritual depth, theory practice, and  healing calling.
“We live in an age where many walk around wounded in silence, in shame, and in search of peace.
“Trauma has infiltrated our homes, our schools, our pulpits, and our communities. In such a time, to heal the soul is not simply an intervention it is a divine calling,” he said.
Dr Apaak urged the graduates to anchor their life and practice on restoring hope, empowering their clients to reconnect with identity, purpose, and God and let their inner peace speak louder than the interventions.
Reverend Prof Samuel Ohemeba‐Dornyo, President of ODUCCP, said since 2014, the University had trained over 1,200 counsellors ministers of the Gospel, medical doctors, and all professions to heal a hurting world.
He urged the graduates to uphold the ethics of the counselling profession and walk in integrity.
“Counselling is sacred. It is a trust.It demands ongoing learning, spiritual discernment, and ethical commitment.
“Let your work be your worship, and let your compassion guide your conduct,” he said.
The graduates were presented with a certificate for their outstanding performances.