A Licensed Counselling Psychologist and a lecturer at the Department of Teacher Education, University of Ghana, Dr Cecelia Tutu-Danquah has underscored the critical role of Counselling in promoting Peace and good mental health in the country especially during this electioneering period.
According to her Counsellors who deliver counselling services to different segments of the public perform important duties in managing emotions, fears, stress and anxiety of members of the public. She indicated that the role of Counsellors during this electioneering period should not be underestimated as they can help both winning and losing candidates and their supporters manage their expectations before, during and after declaration of results.
Dr. Cecelia Tutu-Danquah who is also the founder and Principal of TUCEE Institute of Counselling and Technology (TICT) has therefore called for the urgent training of more Counsellors across the country to provide the essential service of counseling to the public.
She made the call during the 10th Graduation ceremony of the Institute in Accra where a total of 421 graduating fellows were conferred with certificates.
They comprised of 222 fellows who received Certificates in Counseling, 85 fellows in Marriage and Family Therapy, 84 fellows in Child and Adolescent Counselling, and 19 fellows in Cyber Trauma Counselling, and Corporate Mental Health Counselling. TICT specialises in training counsellors through the integration of technology to ensure accessible counselling services to all, any time irrespective location and unique circumstances that may require privacy.
Dr. Cecelia Tutu-Danquah who is also the National President of the Ghana National Association of Certificated Counsellors GNACC said TUCCE started a decade ago with a humble beginnings as a monthly program for women dubbed “Women Counselling Women” and has grown to its current status as a registered entity which trained over 3,000 thousand counsellors over the years.
The Officer In-charge at Nsawam Camp Prison, of the Ghana Prisons Service, Deputy Director of Prisons, Joseph Anusieuto Vuu said effective Counselling by a well-trained Prison Officer play important role in the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. Good Counseling he said ensures attitudinal change of inmates and enable them come out of custody as change people.
He commended the institute for its efforts at churning out skilled counsellors to make society positively and reminded the graduating fellows to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to the benefit of their clients saying “No education is useless unless it is not put at the service and enjoyment of others.”
Ten Prison Officers from the Nsawam Prison were among the 10th graduating fellows ceremony which was on the theme: “Mental Wellness and Peace Building Amidst Election 2024”.
Prof. Joana Salifu Yendork, and Associate Professor and renowned clinical psychologist who was the guest speaker charged the fellows to make their expertise available to people at the local level, especially young people, women, marginalized individuals and communities.
On elections, Prof Yendork charges the fellows to make themselves available for the voiceless to ensure unity: “Elections test our unity, peace, and strength as a nation. As counsellors, you are essential voices for emotional stability and constructive dialogue. This is your moment to rise to the occasion.”
She also encouraged the use of psychoeducational initiatives to counter election-related stress and misinformation. “Support mental wellness initiatives like workshops and open forums. Equip individuals with the tools to manage anxiety and engage in fact-based discussions. When people feel heard, they are less likely to resort to conflict,” Prof Yendork urged.
