Ecosoc Youth Forum Plenary Session: Youth Mental Health and Well-Being

Hon. George Opare-Addo Esq.
Minister For Youth Development
And Empowerment of Ghana
Trusteeship Council Chamber, UNHQ
April 16th, 2026, New York

ECOSOC YOUTH FORUM PLENARY SESSION: YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING AS A FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Honourable Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

Ghana stands firm in its conviction that youth mental health is non-negotiable for sustainable development. Today, however, our young people are confronted with growing pressures from unemployment, academic demands, the influence of digital transformation and rapid societal change.

The evidence is clear. A recent research conducted in Ghana reveled that, depression affects about 8% of tertiary students and nearly one in five individuals in the general population. Substance abuse is also on the rise, with over 40% and 37% of tertiary and secondary students mrespectively are exposed to drugs on campus. This means the usage of drugs in these institutions are real. Even more disturbing is early initiation, with 26% before the age of 15, 41% between the ages of 16 and 17 and 25% between the ages of 18 and 19 leading to addiction, poor academic
outcomes and long-term vulnerability.

A troubling misconception persists. More than half of students believe that substance use helps manage stress. When combined with the rise in youth gambling, where nearly seven out of
ten report anxiety, we are witnessing a deepening mental health crisis. Access to support remains limited. Only about one-third of schools have counsellors or
health facilities. This gap is simply unacceptable.

However, Ghana is taking decisive action. We have launched the Red Means Stop campaign to confront substance abuse and raise awareness on mental health. We are also strengthening
advocacy to ensure dedicated mental health services across campuses, including counsellors, peer support systems and accessible care where young people learn and live. In light of this, we call for increased investment in accessible and youth-friendly mental health services, deliberate efforts to reduce stigma and promote open dialogue and stronger
collaboration among families, schools and communities.

To conclude, investing in youth mental well-being is investing in resilience, productivity,
and our shared sustainable future.

I thank you.