GNPC CEO Advocates for Mental Health in the Workplace on World Mental Health Day 2024
In a message marking World Mental Health Day 2024, Mr. Joseph Abuabu Dadzie, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), emphasized the organization’s commitment to prioritizing mental health in the workplace. This aligns with this year’s global theme: “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.”
Addressing the GNPC workforce and the broader industry, Mr. Dadzie spotlighted the importance of mental well-being in the upstream oil and gas sector, where the pressures of meeting productivity targets and maintaining safety standards are significant. He noted that while physical safety is crucial, mental health is equally vital for corporate success.
“Mental health is not just an individual concern but a corporate responsibility,” Mr. Dadzie stated. “At GNPC, we recognize that the well-being of our workforce directly impacts productivity, safety, and the overall success of the Corporation. In this industry, particularly for those working offshore, the pressures of isolation and being away from family can lead to mental health challenges that must be addressed.”
Citing alarming statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), Mr. Dadzie highlighted the substantial economic costs of neglecting mental health in the workplace. An estimated 12 billion working days are lost annually due to depression and anxiety, resulting in a $1 trillion loss to the global economy each year. He urged companies in the energy sector to take proactive steps to manage mental health risks and promote employee well-being.
At GNPC, initiatives to enhance mental health support are already underway. Mr. Dadzie mentioned efforts to increase access to counseling services, conduct stress management seminars, and foster an open culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges. Additionally, GNPC’s Medical Advisory Committee (MAC), Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE), and Human Resources departments are in sync to ensure that mental and physical health concerns are comprehensively addressed.
“We are committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and recognizing it as a fundamental aspect of human well-being. As we commemorate this year’s World Mental Health Day, let’s reaffirm our dedication to creating a mentally healthy workplace, within GNPC and across Ghana’s energy sector,” Mr. Dadzie added.
GNPC’s leadership is dedicated to continuously assessing and improving its mental health initiatives, ensuring that employees receive the support they need to thrive emotionally and psychologically. This World Mental Health Day, Mr. Dadzie encouraged the energy industry to adopt similar measures, underscoring that mental health is an ongoing journey, and only by working together can companies foster environments where employees can reach their full potential.