Dr. Fathiaya Zakari Advocates for Safe Spaces to Tackle Youth Mental Health Challenges in Northern Ghana

Dr. Fathiaya Nzhelayim Zakari, the Advocacy and Engagement Officer at YEFL-Ghana, has called for the urgent establishment of safe spaces to address the mental health challenges facing young people in northern Ghana. Speaking during an International Youth Day event in Tamale organized by Activista Ghana, Dr. Zakari emphasized that these dedicated environments are essential for allowing youth to discuss their struggles openly and without the fear of social stigma. She noted that while many young people share similar aspirations, those in the northern region often encounter specific hurdles that necessitate tailored support systems.

The advocacy highlights the unique pressures navigating the lives of young Ghanaians today, including economic uncertainty, limited employment opportunities, and general economic instability. Dr. Zakari argued that these external stressors significantly impact the mental well-being of the youth, making it imperative to shift public perceptions regarding mental health. She stressed the importance of moving away from traditional stigmas and instead fostering a culture that encourages resilience and provides young individuals with the necessary knowledge to manage their mental health effectively.

Central to this call is the involvement of various stakeholders in creating a supportive community framework. Dr. Zakari urged leaders and organizations to collaborate in building environments that foster open dialogue and provide accessible support systems. She emphasized that the goal of these initiatives should be to build resilience among young people, equipping them with the tools to navigate societal pressures and economic hardships. By prioritizing mental health, she argued, stakeholders can help ensure that young people remain active and productive members of their communities.

In her concluding remarks, Dr. Zakari called for actionable improvements that lead to tangible outcomes for youth well-being. She maintained that the future of national development depends heavily on the emotional and psychological stability of the younger generation. The event served as a catalyst for a broader conversation on mental health, with a clear message that collaborative efforts must go beyond rhetoric to ensure that young people in northern Ghana have the support they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world.