Ghana’s Crime Crisis: A Mental Health Wake-Up Call

When a 36-year-old man, Dominic Afriyie—known as “GH”—was sentenced by a Kumasi High Court to 120 years in prison with hard labour and life imprisonment for robbery and murder, it stunned the nation. He broke into the home of 43-year-old pharmacist Michael Dela Agbo Klu, stole GH¢1,500, a laptop, and two phones, and then shot and killed him.

This wasn’t just a robbery gone wrong—it was the painful reflection of a deeper mental and emotional crisis unfolding silently in homes, streets, and hearts across Ghana and many developing nations.

More Than Crime—It’s a Mental Health Emergency

Behind this tragedy lies a disturbing trend: the growing frustration, desperation, and silent suffering among Ghanaian youth. Many are overwhelmed by poverty, social pressure, trauma, and a lack of emotional support. They wake up every day battling stress, anxiety, and the fear of failure—yet have no outlet or guidance.

They are working hard, trying not to cut corners, but with each passing day, their resilience fades. This is where mental health becomes more than personal—it becomes national. When left unaddressed, emotional struggles can turn into violence, crime, and irreversible damage to lives and communities.

The Truth in Numbers

2.8 million Ghanaians live with a form of mental health condition—most go untreated.

Youth between 18–40 years old are facing rising levels of depression, anxiety, and emotional breakdown.

Suicide, domestic violence, drug abuse, and crime are increasing—and they often stem from unresolved psychological pain.

A Wake-Up Call and A Path Forward

This case must serve as a wake-up call. Ghana cannot afford to treat mental health as an afterthought. We need policies, awareness campaigns, grassroots initiatives, and safe spaces where young people can learn to manage emotions, build self-esteem, and choose purpose over pain.

We must:

1. Educate and train communities on mental health literacy.
2. Integrate mental health support into schools, churches, and workplaces.
3. Create mentorship programs that guide youth through pressure-filled seasons of life.
4. Support emotional healing to reduce crime before it happens.

Why Dr. David Rex Orgen Should Be Booked for Speaking Engagements

Dr. David Rex Orgen is not just a voice in mental health—he is a movement. As a Best-Selling Author, Global Speaker, and International Mental Health Expert, he brings over a decade of experience working with students, professionals, faith leaders, athletes, and governments around the world.

His ability to translate complex psychological issues into relatable, faith-based, and culturally sensitive solutions makes him the leading voice for today’s mental health challenges in Africa and beyond. Whether speaking to a room of 50 or a stadium of 5,000, Dr. Orgen inspires change, ignites hope, and empowers action.

Book Dr. David Rex Orgen for your next event, conference, school, church, or corporate workshop. His message may just be the turning point that saves a life, redirects a youth, or transforms a nation.

Dr. David Rex Orgen is the Founder of InspireMind Global, a renowned mental health educator, and author of several life-changing books. His mission is simple: to heal hearts, renew minds, and build a mentally resilient generation.

Let’s act now—because behind every crime, there’s a story that could’ve ended differently.