Ghanaian students from junior high, senior high, and tertiary institutions recently participated in The Well Youth Seminar 2026, gaining crucial skills in emotional resilience and mental well-being. The event, held at the GMPC Youth Auditorium in Burma Camp, provided a timely platform for young people to address mounting academic pressures and life transitions.
The seminar, themed “Thriving Through Transition: Building Emotionally Intelligent and Resilient Students,” focused on mental health, emotional intelligence, and resilience. It equipped participants with practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety, encouraging positive coping mechanisms. The initiative aimed to create safe spaces for open conversations about student well-being, which is increasingly vital in a rapidly changing world.
This focus on youth mental health aligns with broader national efforts to address the psychological well-being of Ghana’s younger population. Reports indicate a growing need for support systems as young people navigate complex academic demands and social pressures. Such initiatives are critical for fostering a generation capable of contributing to Ghana’s sustainable development.
Dr. Jennifer Ofori Afrifa Yamoah, Founder and Executive Director of the Joyful Journey Career Counselling & Mentorship Institute (JJCCMI), expressed her vision for the seminar to become a sustained national intervention. She stated, “With increased institutional and financial support, the initiative could expand its mentorship network, establish community-based resilience programmes and provide early mental health education.” This expansion would help young people recognize emotional distress before it escalates into severe psychological challenges.
The seminar featured several key speakers, including entrepreneur and lecturer Mr. Alan Dwomoh Sarpong from Radford University College, who urged participants to pursue purpose and develop resilience beyond academics. Mental health advocate Mrs. Ethel Obeng-Treve, Founder of Fafanto Psych & Wellness Consult, encouraged prioritizing psychological well-being and seeking support. Mr. James Kwesi Addison, Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach and CEO of Addison International, highlighted emotional intelligence as an essential life skill for managing emotions and building healthy relationships.
An interactive panel discussion allowed participants to seek guidance on academics, career development, emotional well-being, and personal growth. This session reinforced the value of mentorship and informed decision-making, providing practical insights for the attendees. The seminar was organized by JJCCMI in collaboration with the Garrison Methodist Presbyterian Church (GMPC) Youth Fellowship.
Dr. Afrifa Yamoah believes that investing in such programs will nurture healthier campuses, stronger communities, and a generation of resilient leaders. She emphasized that equipping students with practical coping skills and strengthening support systems can significantly lower anxiety, prevent substance abuse, and reduce the risk of severe mental health conditions among vulnerable young academicians. The significance of The Well Youth Seminar 2026 lies in its direct response to issues increasingly affecting teenagers and young adults in Ghana.
The organizers expressed hope that the initiative would continue to inspire and empower more young people to become emotionally intelligent, resilient, and purpose-driven leaders. Partners for the event included Sweet Musiz Pro Audio, Fredexcel, Fafanto Psych & Wellness Consult, Radford University College, the Addison International Center for Emotional Intelligence (AICEI), Glam by Rossy, and GirledUp Ghana. This collaborative effort underscores the growing recognition of mental health as a critical component of youth development in Ghana.