The Member of Parliament for the Korle Klottey Constituency, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, joined the Gaming Commission of Ghana and the Mental Health Authority on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, to sensitize staff of the Commission on Mental Wellness and Work-life Balance, as part of a broader initiative to promote emotional wellbeing in the workplace.
The sensitization program, which marked the beginning of the Commission’s month-long Purple Month campaign, aims to raise national awareness on the growing concerns around gaming addiction and its impact on mental health, particularly among young people. The event underscored the Commission’s internal commitment to Staff wellbeing as a foundation for broader public education efforts.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings shared a deeply personal reflection on mental health, recounting the emotional challenges she faced following the passing of her father, the late former President Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, and her grandmother in quick succession. She emphasized the importance of seeking support, sharing emotional burdens, and the healing power of open conversations, particularly in professional environments.
“Sometimes, all you need is someone to ask, how are you”… “and they waiting and taking time to listen to how you are matters a lot”, she noted, urging staff to prioritize self-care and mental breaks. Dr. Zanetor emphasized the need for people to learn to ask for help when the need arise as well as open up for healing and closure, especially among working women who often juggle multiple responsibilities.
The session also featured a comprehensive presentation by Dr. Abigail Harding, a Psychiatrist from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, who educated staff on practical tools and strategies to safeguard their mental health and enhance productivity. Key topics included:
- Understanding what constitutes mental health;
- Recognizing signs of stress and burnout;
- Importance of work-life boundaries;
- Stress management and self-care techniques;
- Addressing mental health stigma; and
- Promoting a supportive workplace culture.
Dr. Harding revealed that one in five employees experience mental health conditions, with an estimated 60% of cases going unaddressed, underlining the urgency of workplace awareness and support.
In his remarks, the Acting Gaming Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, expressed appreciation to Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings and Dr. Harding for their insights and support. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting staff wellbeing as part of its broader goal to foster a responsible and mentally healthy gaming environment.
“As we embark on this year’s Purple Month campaign, we remain committed to educating the public on responsible gaming and ensuring that the mental health of both our players and staff remain a top priority,” Mr. Quainoo affirmed.
The Purple Month Campaign continues throughout May, with a series of educational and outreach activities planned in collaboration with the Mental Health Authority, gaming operators, and other key stakeholders.
