By Fuvi Kloku | Sankofaonline
BURR RIDGE, Illinois — Mental health took center stage on Saturday, October 10, 2026, as Nana Abayie, ( Nana Kwame Frimpong )Asantefuohene of Chicago, delivered a powerful remark during the dinner dance marking the historic inauguration of the Ghana Nurses Association Illinois Inc. at the Marriott Hotel in Burr Ridge, Illinois.
In a speech that resonated deeply with healthcare professionals and community members alike, Nana Abayie challenged the newly inaugurated association and the wider Ghanaian diaspora to confront one of the most pressing yet often overlooked health crises of our time: mental health.
Speaking during the gala dinner dance held in honor of the inauguration, Nana Abayie addressed an esteemed audience comprising Nananom from across the Chicago metropolitan area, former and current presidents of the Ghana National Council (GNC), community leaders, elders, healthcare professionals, and other distinguished guests. He expressed his deep honor at being part of what many described as a landmark moment for Ghanaian nurses in Illinois.
While nursing is traditionally associated with treating physical illnesses such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes, Nana Abayie shifted the conversation toward the often invisible wounds of the mind.
“Without a sound mind, there can be no sound body,” he reminded the audience.
In a heartfelt and passionate appeal, he highlighted the silent struggles affecting many individuals within the community, particularly young people grappling with economic pressures, social expectations, and the relentless influence of social media.
According to Nana Abayie, many continue to suffer in silence due to fear of stigma, battling conditions such as depression, anxiety, chronic stress, schizophrenia, trauma, anger disorders, hallucinations, and attention-related challenges without seeking the help they need.
He emphasized that nurses are not only caregivers of the body but also guardians of emotional and psychological well-being.
“Nurses save lives not only through medicine and treatment, but through compassion, listening, encouragement, and hope,” he noted, stressing that a kind word, attentive ear, or reassuring smile can sometimes make the difference between despair and recovery.
Recognizing nurses as some of the most trusted professionals in society, Nana Abayie issued a compelling three-point call to action.
First, he urged nurses to become educators, helping communities understand that mental illness is a medical condition that can be treated and managed, not a curse, spiritual punishment, or act of witchcraft.
Second, he challenged them to be compassionate listeners, creating safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable discussing their struggles without fear of judgment or ridicule.
Finally, he called on them to be advocates for stronger and more connected communities, encouraging people to check on one another, offer support, and seek professional intervention early.
Beyond his focus on mental health, the Asantefuohene praised the leadership and commitment behind the formation of the association. He reserved special recognition for Mrs. Mary Mensah Sogbe, Director of Operations for the Asanteman Association, commending her unwavering dedication and service despite the demands of balancing her responsibilities as a mother, wife, and community leader.
As the evening drew to a close, Nana Abayie appealed for collective support to ensure the growth and sustainability of the Ghana Nurses Association Illinois Inc. and its mission of promoting holistic healthcare within the community.
He encouraged guests, friends, and supporters to contribute generously to the association’s fundraising efforts, emphasizing that every contribution, regardless of size, would help strengthen healthcare outreach and community well-being.
Blessing the nurses for choosing a profession rooted in sacrifice, compassion, and service, Nana Abayie left attendees with a message that transcended the inauguration itself: the future of community health depends not only on caring for the body but also on breaking the silence surrounding mental health.
The evening concluded with renewed optimism and a shared sense of purpose as healthcare professionals, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders united around a common commitment to advancing both physical and mental wellness across the Ghanaian community in Illinois and beyond.
