Accra, Ghana – The Executive Director of BasicNeeds-Ghana, Dr. Peter Bedimak Yaro, has
urged religious institutions and community groups to move beyond traditional funeral rituals and
provide long-term psychosocial support for families devastated by loss.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) following the recent
tragedy in which 16 children lost their lives in a road accident, Dr. Yaro stressed that mourning
should not end at the burial.
“Religious bodies have strong support networks, but they must extend their care beyond
funerals,” he said. “Youth groups, women’s fellowships and men’s fellowships should be
mobilized to offer sustained emotional and psychological support.”
Dr. Yaro further called for continuous counseling and professional psychological care to help
grieving families manage the emotional and mental scars left by such incidents.
On the broader issue of road safety, the BasicNeeds-Ghana Director emphasized the need for
stricter government oversight, particularly in enforcing driver licensing regulations, preventing
underage and overage driving, and enhancing road safety education during license renewals. He
noted that proactive collaboration between state authorities and communities could significantly
reduce accidents.
In addition to his advocacy on grief and road safety, Dr. Yaro highlighted BasicNeeds-Ghana’s
ongoing efforts to support people with mental health conditions and epilepsy, especially in
underserved communities. He explained that the organization integrates mental health services
with development initiatives to ensure that individuals are not only treated medically but also
empowered to make informed choices and pursue their dreams.
“Mental health is a human rights issue,” he stressed. “Everyone deserves access to care,
dignity, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.”
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of community-level education, stakeholder
collaboration, and sustainable investment in reducing stigma and improving access to care.
According to him, these measures, if implemented consistently, can save lives, foster community
healing, and break the stigma surrounding mental health.
BasicNeeds-Ghana
