By Sankofaonline News Desk
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Global President of the Zion College Old Students Association (NAFRICANS), Prof. Mawuli Sallar, Vice President, Mr. Isaac Apertogbor, emphasized that the future of educational excellence lies in….. Read on
ANLOGA, Volta Region — In a visionary departure from the traditional alumni model that often prioritizes classroom blocks, dormitories, and physical infrastructure, the 1981 Year Group of Zion College (ZICO), in partnership with the UK-based Besstel Foundation and Dangana Foundation, has launched a groundbreaking mental health awareness programme aimed at strengthening the emotional and psychological well-being of students and staff.
Held on October 29, 2026, at the Zion College campus in Anloga, the landmark workshop, themed “The Power of Choice: Live Healthy, Stay Drug-Free,” brought together international mental health professionals, educators, alumni leaders, and students to address one of the most pressing but often overlooked challenges facing Ghana’s educational system: mental health.
The initiative comes at a time when increasing academic demands, rapid social change, digital exposure, and mounting emotional pressures are affecting young people across the country, creating an urgent need for preventive interventions and support systems.
A Timely Intervention for a Growing Need
Welcoming participants to the programme, the Headmistress of Zion College, Madam Nutifafa Kwawukume, described the intervention as both timely and necessary.
She noted that mental health awareness has become a priority area for both the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ghana Education Service (GES), reflecting a growing recognition of the critical role psychological well-being plays in learning and teaching outcomes.
“Mental health awareness is a vital area of concern for MOE and GES. Some years back, attention was not given to educational workers’ health matters, but now it has been integrated into the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) topics to create mental health awareness,” she stated.
Madam Kwawukume explained that the implementation of the Free Senior High School Policy has significantly increased enrollment levels nationwide, placing enormous pressure on school administrators, teachers, parents, and students alike.
“This programme is complementing the school’s efforts in organizing seminars in this regard for the Zion College community. All will be equipped to identify signs and symptoms of mental health issues and be better placed to manage and avoid extreme cases among learners and staff,” she added.
Her remarks underscored the growing consensus within Ghana’s education sector that academic excellence cannot be achieved without addressing the emotional and psychological needs of learners.
Why the 1981 Year Group Took Action
Providing insight into the motivation behind the initiative, Madam Hilda Amewu, member of the Zion College 1981 Year Group, Community Support Manager in the United Kingdom, and Director of Operations of the Besstel Foundation, said the programme emerged from growing concerns about the mental and emotional pressures confronting today’s youth.
According to her, modern students face challenges that previous generations rarely encountered.
Academic competition, social pressures, digital technology, cyber influences, and changing family dynamics have combined to create levels of stress and emotional vulnerability that require proactive intervention.
“The realities confronting students today are very different from what many of us experienced decades ago. Young people now navigate academic pressure, social media influences, digital exposure, and emotional challenges that demand new support systems,” she explained.
Madam Amewu emphasized the importance of challenging the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health, particularly in many African communities where emotional struggles often remain hidden due to fear, shame, or misunderstanding.
She stressed that early intervention can help students develop resilience, confidence, healthy coping mechanisms, and stronger decision-making skills, significantly reducing the risk of long-term psychological difficulties.
The initiative, she revealed, was further inspired by the presence of mental health professionals within the 1981 Year Group’s international network, making it possible to deliver world-class expertise directly to the Zion College community.
Why Besstel Foundation Was Chosen
The partnership with the Besstel Foundation was a strategic decision rooted in quality, credibility, and relevance.
A UK-registered organization renowned for its work in mental health advocacy and healthcare development, Besstel Foundation has earned recognition in both the United Kingdom and Ghana for promoting excellence in mental healthcare and community wellbeing.
According to organizers, the Foundation was selected because of its culturally sensitive approach that combines international best practices with a deep understanding of local realities.
This ensures that the programme’s content is not only clinically sound but also relatable and practical for Ghanaian students.
Certified mental health practitioners led all workshop sessions, guaranteeing that participants received evidence-based information delivered in an age-appropriate and safe environment.
Elevating Zion College Beyond Academic Excellence
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Global President of the Zion College Old Students Association (NAFRICANS), Prof. Mawuli Sallar, Vice President, Mr. Isaac Apertogbor, emphasized that the future of educational excellence lies in nurturing both the intellect and emotional wellbeing of learners.
He highlighted NAFRICANS’ broader vision of elevating Zion College from a Category C institution to Category B status and stressed that infrastructure development alone would not achieve that goal.
“If we provide the necessary conducive environment for students to learn, but they do not have a sound mind, how will they achieve what we are trying to inculcate in them?” he asked.
Mr. Apertogbor reminded participants of the enduring truth that a sound mind thrives in a sound body and urged both students and staff to embrace the lessons shared by the visiting experts.
He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge acquired from the workshop to enhance personal well-being, academic performance, and leadership development.
Bringing International Expertise to Anloga
The workshop featured an accomplished team of mental health specialists and advocates from the United Kingdom, including:
• Ms. Stella Bryant, Mental Health Nursing Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Besstel Foundation.
• Mr. Nash Momori, Expert Mental Health Consultant.
• Mr. Peter Hasler, Mental Health Nurse Consultant, former Director of Nursing in the United Kingdom, and Patron of Besstel Foundation.
• Ms. Hilda Amewu, Community Support Manager (Mental Health) in the United Kingdom, Director of Operations of the Besstel Foundation, and leader of the Zion College 1981 Year Group, whose vision and coordination were instrumental in bringing the initiative to fruition.
Their presentations transformed complex psychological concepts into practical tools that students and educators could immediately apply in their daily lives.
A Curriculum Designed for Real-Life Challenges
The programme focused on four critical pillars of mental wellness:
Understanding Mental Wellbeing
Participants explored mental health through the Health Education Authority framework, which describes mental wellbeing as the emotional, psychological, and spiritual resilience that enables individuals to enjoy life while successfully navigating challenges, disappointment, and adversity.
Stress Management and Healthy Coping Strategies
Facilitators introduced participants to the “Stress Bucket” model, helping them understand how accumulated pressures can affect both physical and mental health. Students learned practical strategies for reducing stress and maintaining emotional balance.
Resilience, Relationships and Professional Boundaries
Using the widely respected “Anger Iceberg” model, facilitators demonstrated how emotions often conceal deeper issues such as fear, anxiety, sadness, and frustration. Discussions focused on communication skills, conflict resolution, self-awareness, and healthy boundaries.
Substance Abuse Prevention
The programme’s central theme, “The Power of Choice,” encouraged students to make informed lifestyle decisions, resist drug use, avoid destructive influences, and develop habits that support long-term wellbeing and success.
What Educators Are Seeing in the Classroom
The workshop resonated strongly with teaching staff who witness student struggles firsthand.
Mr. David Kwadzo Fui, a teacher at Zion College, revealed that stress-related incidents among students have become increasingly common.
“There have been instances where students have collapsed in class due to stress and anxiety. Previously, such cases would be referred directly to the sick bay. This programme is helping us understand the deeper causes and giving us practical knowledge to support students more effectively,” he said.
Meanwhile, the school’s Guidance and Counseling Coordinator, Rev. Livingston Senoo, highlighted the growing burden of examination anxiety, peer pressure, family challenges, bullying, and low self-esteem among students.
According to him, these factors significantly impact emotional wellbeing and academic performance when left unaddressed.
He praised the initiative for strengthening early detection and intervention systems while promoting healthier social interactions among students.
Students Welcome the Initiative
Students themselves acknowledged the importance of the programme.
Master Prince Domie, a Visual Arts 3A student, shared how anxiety and stress have affected many learners.
“When I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I usually step away from my work and look for a friend to talk to. This programme has given us practical tools to manage stress ourselves and also support our colleagues,” he said.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Determined to ensure lasting impact, organizers have developed a framework that extends well beyond a single day’s event.
The sustainability plan includes:
- Establishment of a Mental Health Champion Network involving specially trained teachers and student leaders.
- Provision of mental health resource materials and referral pathways through the school’s Guidance and Counseling Unit.
- Direct access to the Mental Health Authority’s 24-hour hotline services.
- Regular follow-up assessments and engagement between Besstel Foundation clinicians and school management.
A Model for Schools Across Ghana
What took place at Zion College represents more than a workshop. It marks a significant shift in how alumni associations can contribute to educational development.
For decades, alumni interventions have largely focused on buildings and physical infrastructure. The Zion College 1981 Year Group has demonstrated that investing in emotional resilience, mental wellbeing, and human development may be equally important.
As mental health continues to emerge as a national education priority, this pioneering initiative could serve as a model for schools across Ghana.
In the words of organizers, the objective is simple but profound: to ensure that every student not only succeeds academically, but also develops the emotional strength, resilience, and confidence needed to thrive in life.
In doing so, Zion College’s 1981 alumni may have launched not just a programme, but a movement.
