The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental well-being and fostering a supportive campus environment following the successful organisation of a six-day Mental Health Awareness Week Celebration that engaged more than 1,000 students and staff across its various campuses.
Held from May 23 to May 28, 2026, under the theme, “From Awareness to Action: Building a Mentally Healthy Campus,” the initiative was spearheaded by the University’s Counselling Department to raise awareness about mental health issues, encourage positive help-seeking behaviours, and strengthen support systems within the University community.
The week-long celebration featured a series of outreach programmes, awareness campaigns, interactive discussions, counselling sessions, and educational engagements designed to equip participants with practical tools for maintaining emotional and psychological well-being.
Throughout the week, the Counselling Department engaged students and staff through a combination of awareness campaigns, outreach activities, and interactive sessions held across the Institute of Journalism (IJ) South Legon, Institute of Languages (IL) East Legon, and Institute of Film and Television (IFT) Cantonments campuses, alongside a university-wide online seminar aimed at deepening conversations on mental health and wellness.
Addressing the significance of the initiative, the Vice-Chancellor of UniMAC, Professor Eric Opoku Mensah, described mental health as a critical pillar in the University’s pursuit of academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development.
According to him, universities must move beyond merely acknowledging mental health challenges and actively create environments where students and staff can thrive emotionally, psychologically, and socially. “At UniMAC, we recognise that academic excellence cannot be achieved in isolation from mental well-being. A healthy mind is the foundation upon which creativity, innovation, productivity, and meaningful learning are built,” Professor Mensah stated.
He added that the University’s investment in mental health awareness demonstrates its unwavering commitment to nurturing not only intellectual growth but also the overall well-being of its people.
“Our vision is to build a university community where every student and staff member feels seen, supported, valued, and empowered to seek help when needed. Mental health is no longer a peripheral issue; it is central to sustainable education and human development. This celebration reflects UniMAC’s determination to transform awareness into action and action into lasting institutional culture,” he emphasised.
Professor Mensah further commended the Counselling Department for championing initiatives that strengthen resilience, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations around mental health within the University’s academic and professional environment.
The Head of the Counselling Unit, Mr. Godfred Arko Osei, underscored the importance of proactive mental health education and intervention in tertiary institutions, noting that increasing academic demands, social pressures, financial challenges, and personal struggles make counselling services more relevant than ever. “Mental health awareness is not a one-time conversation but an ongoing responsibility. Our objective was to create safe spaces where students and staff could openly discuss their concerns, receive professional guidance, and gain practical strategies for managing life’s challenges,” he explained.
Mr. Osei noted that the overwhelming participation recorded during the celebration demonstrates a growing appreciation for mental health support services across the University. “The response from participants was highly encouraging. It shows that people are becoming more conscious of their mental well-being and are willing to engage in conversations that promote resilience, self-care, and healthy living. We remain committed to ensuring that counselling services are accessible, confidential, and responsive to the needs of the University community,” he said.
Throughout the celebration, participants engaged in discussions on key topics including mental health awareness, networking and relationship building, confidentiality in counselling, financial prudence, stress management, and healthy coping mechanisms. The sessions encouraged students and staff to prioritise self-care, support one another, and make informed decisions that contribute to their personal, academic, and professional success.
The successful programme forms part of UniMAC’s broader commitment to promoting student welfare, staff well-being, and the creation of a healthy and inclusive academic environment where everyone can flourish.
The Counselling Department expressed appreciation to the University Management, faculty, staff, students, and all stakeholders whose support and active participation contributed to the success of the celebration and the advancement of a mentally healthy campus culture.