ICGC commended for promoting mental health
The Mental Health Authority has commended the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) for continuously supporting the institution to bring attention to and promoting awareness of mental health issues.
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Acting CEO of the authority, Dr Caroline Amissah, said unlike the past when mental health was given little attention, it was now being highlighted and had resulted in a reduction in the stigma.
She made the remarks after receiving a cheque for GH¢200,000 from ICGC at the end of Life Walk; the church’s annual health and fitness event that encourages healthy lifestyles and serves as a platform to impact society.
Dr Amissah noted that the collaboration with ICGC and other partners had led to an increased demand for mental health care with more people now reaching out freely for support when they had issues.
She called on other institutions to emulate the gesture by ICGC to complement the efforts of the state.
For the fifth consecutive time, ICGC chose to support the Mental Health Authority as part of the church’s commitment to help improve conditions at the country’s psychiatric hospitals and create awareness to ensure effective management of cases.
Accra South Regional Overseer of ICGC, Rev. Anthony Cudjoe, on behalf of the General Overseer, Pastor Mensa Otabil, presented the cheque and explained that ICGC’s support for mental health was anchored in the understanding that it was an aspect of Ghana’s health care system that was underserved and needed the most resources.
He said Life Walk was more than a fitness and wellness event but also an evangelistic and charity event.
“Our mandate, and the third strand of our mission, is to influence society positively with the impact of the gospel,” he said.
This year’s walk began at the Christ Temple East Campus of the church at Teshie and had senior officials of the church, including Pastor Otabil, his wife, Lady Joy; the General Secretary, Rev. Morris Appiah; the Regional Overseer for Accra North, Rev. Yaw Annor; and various district heads leading the effort.
The 12-kilometre walk took thousands of participants through some major streets in the Teshie enclave, including Tse Addo and the military cemetery.