By Kodjo Adams
Accra, Sept. 24, GNA—Mrs. Gladys Setordzie, a Clinical Psychologist, has urged academics to balance their professional ambitions and workloads with their mental well-being to prevent stress from negatively affecting their health and productivity.
Mrs. Setordzie emphasised the importance of recognizing and managing stress as part of activities to maintain good mental health in the demanding academic and professional environments.
Mrs. Setordzie, who is also the Head of the Career Development Unit at the University of Ghana, gave the advice at the launch of this year’s Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) week celebration held virtually in Accra.
The celebration is under the theme: “Healthy Minds for National Transformation.”
Speaking on the topic “Balancing Ambition, Work, and Mental Health,” she noted that while stress was a natural and often unavoidable response to pressure, effectively managing it required deliberate effort.
“Stress is automatic, but stress management is not. You put effort into managing stress,” she said.
Mrs. Setordzie encouraged academics to identify the situations and activities that trigger stress and take practical steps to address them.
She recommended effective time management, setting realistic and achievable goals, practicing self-care, and seeking professional support when necessary.
The Clinical Psychologist cautioned that failing to manage stress could eventually affect an individual’s health and ability to perform effectively at work.
She urged academics to be intentional about protecting their mental well-being while pursuing their professional and personal ambitions.
Mrs. Setordzie encouraged academics to take deliberate steps to manage stress before it becomes overwhelming.
Mr. Seth Kweku Owusu Ansah Obiri, the Director of United Pension Trustees, speaking on the topic “Preparation Towards Retirement,” urged workers to begin planning for retirement early to manage life after pension.
Mr Obiri stressed that pension benefits alone may not be sufficient to maintain their desired standard of living after leaving active employment.
He said retirement planning should be treated as a long-term financial goal rather than something to be considered only when a person approaches the end of their working life.
“Retirement is a financial goal; It is not a date,” he said.
He said individuals should determine the kind of lifestyle they want to maintain in retirement and take practical steps to bridge any potential gap between their pension income and their retirement needs.
Professor Hanson Obiri Yeboah, the Chairman of the TUTAG, urged members to actively participate in the activities marking the celebration.
He said the celebration provided an opportunity for members to strengthen their physical and mental well-being while preparing for the upcoming academic year.
Prof. Obiri Yeboah said the celebration provides an opportunity for members to strengthen their physical and mental well-being while preparing for the upcoming academic year.
He noted that union work required sacrifice, long meetings, and persistence, particularly in dealing with issues such as post-retirement contracts.
The Professor commended members who continue to serve the Association diligently to meet its objectives of ensuring their rights and welfare.
Prof Felix Y. H. Kutsanedzie, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Accra Technical University, said the celebration provided an opportunity for members to recharge, reflect on their work, celebrate service and strengthen collaboration between management and the union, while paying attention to members’ health.
Other activities earmarked for the celebration include a health walk, awards ceremony to honor former and current members who have dedicated themselves to TUTAG’s welfare and rights.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Kodjo Adams
Email: [email protected]