A leading psychiatrist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Kusi Mensah, has expressed concern about the rapid disappearance of green spaces in Ghana’s urban areas, particularly Accra.
Speaking on Joy FM, Dr. Mensah highlighted the critical role green spaces play in fostering children’s mental well-being. He warned that the diminishing availability of these spaces is contributing to a rise in stress, anxiety, and reduced resilience among young people.
Dr. Mensah reminisced about his own childhood in Accra, where green spaces and community parks were abundant, providing safe havens for children to play and unwind. He lamented the current situation, where these spaces have been replaced by development projects, leaving limited areas for recreational activities.
“Now, if you want to enjoy green spaces, you have to travel long distances,” Dr. Mensah pointed out, citing the Aburi Botanical Gardens and Afua Sutherland Park as examples. While acknowledging the value of these destinations, he emphasized the importance of readily accessible green spaces within communities.
Dr. Mensah concluded by urging policymakers, parents, and community leaders to take immediate action. Preserving existing green spaces and creating new ones in urban areas is crucial, not just for children’s physical health but also for their emotional and mental well-being. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to urbanization, ensuring the preservation of green spaces for future generations.