The Chairman of Vint & Aletheia Attorneys and Consultants, Kow Essuman, has emphasized that mental health should not be seen as a sign of weakness but rather as a mark of strength when individuals and nations work collectively to overcome its challenges.
He made this statement during the World Mental Health Day celebration held on October 10, 2025, at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.
The event, themed, “The Wholesome Mind Summit”, focused on promoting psychological safety in children and adults amid growing mental health concerns.
In his address, Essuman urged the state to pay greater attention to mental health issues, noting that the wellbeing of citizens directly impacts national productivity and stability.
He recounted how the legal firm, Vint & Aletheia, became involved in mental health advocacy, explaining that lawyers regularly encounter clients facing deep emotional and psychological distress.
“People come to lawyers when they have problems; financial, marital, or family-related. Many of these issues affect their mental health, and we cannot ignore that,” he stated.
According to him, one of the firm’s experiences that drew them closer to the cause involved assisting a client who needed an involuntary court order to secure medical help for a family member battling a severe mental condition.
Essuman also shared his recent visit to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, where he observed the deteriorating state of the special ward constructed during the Guggisberg era for inmates from the criminal justice system, those who plead insanity or are diagnosed with mental conditions during trial.
He further acknowledged that even within the legal profession, mental health remains a pressing concern due to the demanding nature of the work.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to improve mental healthcare, he revealed that last year’s summit influenced the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to include select mental health conditions under the national insurance scheme.
“We continue to engage with our global partners on ways to promote mental health in Ghana. This advocacy is not just for our clients, but for the wellbeing of every Ghanaian,” he mentioned.
The Wholesome Mind Summit, organized by Vint & Aletheia Attorneys and Consultants, has become a major platform for raising awareness about mental health and promoting holistic wellbeing among professionals and the public.
By Prince Ahenkorah