By Solomon Gumah
Tamale, June 29, GNA – Total Life Enhancement Centre Ghana (TOLECGH) has endorsed the government’s proposal to introduce mandatory mental health and drug screening as part of the recruitment process for public sector employment.
TOLECGH, a mental health and psychosocial support organisation, described the proposal by the Minister for the Interior as a timely and progressive policy direction that would help build a healthier, safer and more productive workforce.
This was contained in a statement issued by TOLECGH and signed by its Executive Director, Mr Peter Mintir Amadu, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Tamale.
The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, made the proposal while delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He said mandatory drug testing for entry into the public service would help safeguard institutional integrity.
He added that the measure would also promote workplace safety and deter drug use among the youth and the working population.
The statement from TOLECGH urged government to extend the proposal beyond the public sector to include private companies, corporate institutions, civil society organisations, and other employers.
It stressed that psychological well-being significantly influences an individual’s ability to perform effectively, make sound decisions, maintain healthy workplace relationships, and cope with occupational demands.
It noted that global evidence shows untreated mental health conditions and substance use disorders contribute to reduced productivity, absenteeism, presenteeism, workplace accidents, high staff turnover, and increased healthcare costs.
It further stated that the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety alone account for the loss of millions of productive workdays annually, resulting in significant economic consequences.
The statement explained that early identification of mental health challenges through professionally conducted assessments would enable timely support, appropriate workplace accommodation where necessary, and referrals for treatment, thereby promoting a healthier and more productive workforce.
It cautioned that pre-employment mental health assessments must not be used to stigmatise, discriminate against, or unfairly exclude qualified applicants.
It emphasised that such assessments should be implemented within an ethical, rights-based, confidential, and evidence-informed framework led by licensed mental health professionals.
TOLECGH appealed to the Minister for the Interior to engage relevant ministries, regulatory bodies, employers, professional associations, organised labour, and mental health practitioners to develop clear national guidelines for standardised, ethical, and scientifically sound workplace mental health assessments.
GNA
Edited by Eric K Amoh /Audrey Dekalu
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