They are the forgotten ones.
In a society where mental health is still heavily stigmatized, children suffer in silence. Many parents, driven by love but limited by fear or misunderstanding, overlook the warning signs. Schools, overwhelmed and under-resourced, often miss the cries for help. Communities, shaped by tradition and taboo, sometimes treat mental health as something to be ashamed of rather than something to be healed.
But mental health is just as important as physical health. A child’s mind, as delicate as their body, needs care, understanding, and protection. Left unaddressed, mental health issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and developmental disorders grow into adulthood, impacting not just the child but the very fabric of our future society.
Children with mental health challenges in Ghana are among the most marginalized.
• Many never receive a proper diagnosis.
• Those who do are often hidden away from public view, kept from schools, social events, and opportunities to grow and thrive.
• Some are labeled as “stubborn,” “possessed,” or “bewitched” instead of recognized as children in need of medical support and compassionate care.
The silence around children's mental health is costing us — in lost potential, broken families, and young lives dimmed too soon.
Because behind every silent child is a story — a story of bullying, of abuse, of fear, or of chemical imbalances that no amount of discipline can fix.
Because no child should feel alone in their pain.
Because recognizing and treating mental health issues early can save lives, restore families, and build a healthier, stronger Ghana.
Because our children deserve to grow up with their dreams intact — not shackled by untreated illnesses that society refuses to acknowledge.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn the signs of mental health struggles in children and share that knowledge within your community.
• Support Mental Health Services: Support hospitals, charities, and organizations that focus on child psychology and mental health.
• Speak Up: Help break the stigma. Normalize talking about feelings and emotional struggles — at home, at school, in your church, and among your friends.
• Volunteer Your Time: at little Angels Trust , we take time to go to the Accra Psychiatric hospital and spend time with these children. From partying i.e dancing , playing and laughing to sharing clothes, food, drinks and sweets .
• Donate: Your financial support can help us medication, , and awareness campaigns that save lives.
It Starts with Us
Children cannot always advocate for themselves — they need adults to stand up, to see them, and to fight for them. They need us to say:
You are not invisible.
You are not broken.
You are loved, and you matter.
In a country rich with tradition and community, we must extend that sense of belonging to every child — especially those fighting battles we cannot see.
Let’s shine a light on their struggles, lift their voices, and build a future where no child's mental health is ever overlooked again.