The Burden of Academic Pressure on Ghana’s Youth

In Ghana, education is widely viewed as the golden ticket to success — and for many, it is. However, as Dr. David Rex Orgen, Best-Selling Author and Mental Health Expert, points out, the pressure to excel academically has grown into a heavy burden, one that is breaking the backs of many youth. The once noble pursuit of education has become a source of overwhelming stress, leading to severe mental health struggles among students.

The Causes

Parental Expectations: One of the major sources of academic pressure stems from parents’ expectations. “You must be a doctor or lawyer,” is a familiar phrase often spoken to children, even if their passion lies elsewhere. The desire to make parents proud and meet their aspirations can create a sense of guilt and inadequacy in students who wish to follow a different career path.

Examination Culture: In Ghana, academic success is often measured by a single exam score, rather than the whole individual. This narrow focus on exams creates a competitive, high-pressure environment where students feel that their worth is determined by their grades. This not only stresses students but also undermines their self-esteem and discourages the development of other valuable skills and talents.

Fear of Failure: Failure is often seen as a shameful event, rather than a learning opportunity. Students who don’t meet expectations are made to feel as though they’ve failed at life, leading to deep feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy. The fear of failure can paralyze students, preventing them from taking risks or exploring their interests beyond academics.

The Mental Toll

The cumulative effect of these pressures takes a serious toll on the mental health of Ghana’s youth. Dr. Orgen emphasizes that this burden leads to a range of mental health issues:

Stress Disorders: Constant worry about grades, performance, and future success can lead to chronic stress, manifesting in physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, and insomnia.

Burnout: Academic burnout is becoming increasingly common. Students pushed to their limits eventually become exhausted, losing their motivation and ability to perform at their best.

Depression: The weight of academic pressure often results in feelings of hopelessness and despair. Many students struggle with depression, feeling as though they can never live up to the expectations placed upon them.

Suicide Attempts: In extreme cases, the overwhelming pressure to succeed can lead to suicide attempts. The inability to cope with the emotional and academic strain can push some students to view death as a way out of their pain.

Loss of Passion for Learning: The pressure to succeed has caused many students to lose their love for learning. Instead of seeing education as a means to grow and explore the world, it becomes a chore, a test of endurance that drains them of all joy and curiosity.

A Call to Action

Dr. Orgen stresses that the time has come for a cultural shift in how we view academic success and mental health in Ghana. He calls for immediate action to address the growing mental health crisis among youth and redefine the educational system in a way that supports both academic excellence and emotional well-being.

Key recommendations from Dr. Orgen include:

A Redefinition of Success: Success should not be limited to traditional professions like medicine and law. Dr. Orgen calls for the recognition of diverse talents, encouraging students to pursue careers that align with their passions, whether in arts, sports, or other fields.

More Career Guidance Programs: Dr. Orgen emphasizes the importance of career guidance in schools. By offering students a range of options and support in making informed decisions about their futures, we can alleviate some of the pressure that comes with choosing the “right” career path.

Mental Health Counseling Embedded within School Systems: Dr. Orgen advocates for the integration of mental health counseling within the school system. By providing students with the resources they need to cope with stress and mental health challenges, we can help them build resilience and emotional strength.

At InspireMind Global, Dr. Orgen’s organization is committed to raising students who are not just academically excellent but emotionally resilient and fulfilled. InspireMind works to empower students with the tools they need to navigate the pressures of education while maintaining their mental well-being. Through initiatives like mental health awareness campaigns and counseling programs, InspireMind is fostering a generation of youth who are strong in both mind and spirit.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

It’s time for all of us — parents, educators, and mental health professionals — to work together and create a balanced, supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and emotionally. We must redefine success and create an educational system that nurtures the mental health of our youth, helping them to become well-rounded, fulfilled individuals who are ready to take on the future.

If you’re a parent, educator, or student struggling with the pressure of academic success, it’s time to take action. InspireMind Global offers resources and support for students facing mental health challenges in the education system. Visit www.inspiremindglobal.com to learn more about how we can work together.