Wangarakrom: Dr. Magdalen Bakari, Lead Specialist for Health Services at Goldfields Ghana, has urged Ghanaians to seek assistance from mental health professionals if they encounter challenges with their mental health. Mental health, she emphasized, is often misunderstood, with many equating it to 'madness', whereas it encompasses much more than that. "We are all at risk; we all experience phases in our lives when we are not mentally healthy. It helps to speak to someone while approaching your healthcare provider for the necessary assistance," she stated.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Bakari provided this advice in Wangarakrom and Badukrom during a medical outreach program organized for residents as part of activities to observe Mental Health Awareness Month and World Hypertension Day, which falls on May 17. The initiative aimed not only to educate the residents on hypertension and mental health but also to cover essential health topics, empowering them with knowledge for healthier and more productive lives.
Residents were screened for various health conditions, including blood pressure, sugar levels, malaria, breast cancer, hepatitis B, HIV, tuberculosis, as well as eye, dental, ear, nose, and throat diseases. Free medications were also provided. Dr. Bakari highlighted that as a responsible corporate entity, Goldfields prioritizes giving back to the communities in which they operate. "So we decided to come to this community to screen them for various health conditions and provide treatments," she added.
Mr. Abdul-Razak Yakubu, Executive Secretary of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF), mentioned that the Foundation organizes this health screening exercise quarterly in their host communities. He noted, "This time, the focus of the medical outreach has changed a bit. Preventive healthcare is our focus now, and education is a vital component." He expressed satisfaction with the turnout, stating, "So far, we have attended to 200 people, and we are targeting 800 people before we leave here."
Mrs. Wilhemina Tiwaah Duah Morttey, Municipal Director of Health Services, Tarkwa Nsuaem, commended the community for their active participation in the program. She expressed gratitude to the GFGF for collaborating with the municipal health directorate to deliver healthcare services directly to the community. Additionally, the GFGF facilitated free health insurance registration and renewal for hundreds of residents who participated in the medical outreach program.
