Nungua, Accra– Members of the Peace and Love Self-Help Group (SHG) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mental health advocacy and improving their well-being through collective action in their community.
During a recent engagement with representatives from BasicNeeds Ghana & BasicNeeds USA Inc, the group highlighted its ongoing efforts to support peer support groups of persons with mental health conditions and their caregivers through the integration of the concept of Village Savings and Loans (VSLA) in group activities, a concept that has proven to improve group cohesion, economic empowerment, and expanding access to financial services.
Speaking at the meeting, Head of Programs at BasicNeeds Ghana, Mr. Adam Dokurugu Yahaya, commended the group’s resilience and continued engagement with the District Assembly, a process he acknowledged as often challenging.
“I have visited you on multiple occasions, and I’ve witnessed your dedication to staying engaged—whether through meetings, advocacy efforts, or skill-building programs. Your unity in pursuing your interests, rights, and overall well-being has kept this group strong,” Adam stated. “I encourage you to keep striving for the best, take advantage of every opportunity from BasicNeeds, and sustain your self-initiated efforts, no matter how small.”
Richard Dougherty, President of BasicNeeds USA Inc., who is visiting some project beneficiaries in the Ashanti Region, also emphasized the power of peer support in mental health recovery.
“In the U.S., we have many professionals who provide mental health treatment, but I have always recognized the importance of support groups. Being part of a community fosters healing, connection, and empowerment. There is strength in unity, and I know this group has used that strength to support one another and your families,” he said.
As part of their ongoing initiatives, the Peace and Love SHG outlined plans to equip members with vocational skills, including biscuit making, local drink production, sewing, hairdressing, etc. The group leaders as part of their strategies also emphasized the importance of home visitations to check on members who have been absent from meetings, ensuring continuous support and inclusion.
The SHG members highlighted several benefits of being in a mental health peer support group, including gaining valuable experience in caregiving for persons living with mental health conditions, engaging in knowledge-sharing with other caregivers, improving personal hygiene and prioritizing self-care, ensuring a regular refill of medication rather than waiting until it runs out, and adopting strategies against social stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes, while maintaining discipline.
However, members also pointed out persistent challenges, such as stigma and discrimination from society and even family members, as well as limited resources to start or improve their businesses and achieve financial independence.
The BasicNeeds Ghana team—comprising Adam Dokurugu Yahaya (Tamale Office), Dominic Wunigura (Program Coordinator, Accra Office), Cecilia Ashiley (Assistant Program Coordinator, Accra Office), and Geraldine Afua Amaning (Communications and Publications Coordinator, (Accra Office)
Members of the Peace and Love SHG expressed their heartfelt gratitudeto BasicNeeds Ghana and its donors for their unwavering support in mental health advocacy and development.
