By Philip Tengzu
Wa (UW/R), Dec. 25, GNA – Bliss Eye Clinic, a private eye care facility in Wa, has organised the second edition of the “Ghana Must Laugh” comedy show as part of efforts to promote health and well-being in the Upper West Region.
The event, held in Wa, attracted a large audience, particularly working professionals, who were treated to an evening of laughter through performances by renowned Ghanaian comedians OB Amponsah and Lekzy the Comic.
The audience, made up of medical directors, doctors, university lecturers, private sector players, business operators and young people, was also entertained by emerging comedians and dancers from Wa.
Speaking at the event, Dr Zakarea Al-Hassan Balure, Manager of Bliss Eye Clinic, said heavy workloads and busy schedules often deprived people of adequate rest and relaxation.
He noted that many professionals and business operators lacked the opportunity to go on vacations to de-stress, a situation that negatively affected their health, particularly their mental well-being.
“I am happy people can laugh and even ask for more. Stress affects our lives and health, and moments like this can reduce the amount of medication people may need to manage stress,” he said.
Dr Josephat Nyuzaghl, the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, commended Bliss Eye Clinic for the initiative, noting that it provided an opportunity not only for relaxation but also for social interaction and networking.
He said aside from work-related pressures, issues such as marriage, childcare and family responsibilities also contributed significantly to stress, sometimes resulting in mental health challenges.
Dr Nyuzaghl therefore encouraged the public to embrace comedy as a form of therapy to help manage stress and promote mental wellness.
Dr Thomas Zielley, a Pathologist at the Upper West Regional Hospital, said statistics indicated that one out of every four people in Ghana experienced some form of mental health challenge, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
He noted that the Upper West Region was also facing increasing substance abuse across all sectors, including among health workers, which heightened the risk of mental health disorders.
Dr Zielley observed that Ghana had only three psychiatric hospitals, all located in the southern part of the country, with a limited number of psychiatric nurses, making access to mental health care services in northern Ghana particularly challenging.
He disclosed that the Wa Municipal Hospital was constructing a mental health facility to bring services closer to residents in the region.
Dr Zielley further noted that stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness often discouraged people from seeking help, but said comedy events such as “Ghana Must Laugh 2.0” could play a vital role in relieving mental stress and promoting openness.
Some participants who spoke to the Ghana News Agency after the event described the show as memorable and therapeutic, expressing appreciation to Bliss Eye Clinic for organising the initiative and calling for it to be held regularly.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Audrey Dekalu
Dec. 25, 2025