TUCEE Institute of Counselling and Technology (TICT) has held its 10th graduation ceremony in Accra with the conferment of certificates on 421 fellows and re-dedication of its commitment to the promotion of peace and good mental health in the country through the art of counseling.
Speaking at the event, Principal of the TUCEE Institute and a Licensed Counseling Psychologist, Dr Cecelia Tutu-Danquah underscored the critical role counselling in fostering peaceful co-existence and mental health especially during this electioneering period of Ghana’s history.
According to her, Counsellors who deliver counselling services to different segments of the public perform important duties in managing emotions, fears, stress and anxiety of members of the public.
Dr Tutu-Danquah who is a lecturer at the Department of Teacher Education, University of Ghana urged the need for political actors to employ the services of qualified counselors during the elections as they can help both winning and losing candidates and their supporters manage their expectations before, during and after declaration of results.
The Principal of TUCEE who also doubles as the National President of the Ghana National Association of Certificated Counsellors GNACC has therefore called for the urgent training of more Counsellors across the country to provide the essential service of counseling to the general public.
The Officer In-charge at Nsawam Camp Prison, of the Ghana Prisons Service, Deputy Director of Prisons, Joseph Anusieuto Vuu said effective Counselling by a well-trained Prison Officer play important role in the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.
Good Counseling he said ensures attitudinal change of inmates and enable them come out of custody as changed people.
He commended the institute for its efforts at churning out skilled counsellors to make society positively and reminded the graduating fellows to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to the benefit of their clients saying “No education is useless unless it is not put at the service and enjoyment of others.”
Prof. Joana Salifu Yendork, and Associate Professor and renowned clinical psychologist who was the guest speaker charged the fellows to make their expertise available to people at the local level, especially young people, women, marginalized individuals and communities.
On elections, Prof Yendork charges the fellows to make themselves available for the voiceless to ensure unity: “Elections test our unity, peace, and strength as a nation. As counsellors, you are essential voices for emotional stability and constructive dialogue. This is your moment to rise to the occasion.”
She also encouraged the use of psychoeducational initiatives to counter election-related stress and misinformation.
“Support mental wellness initiatives like workshops and open forums. Equip individuals with the tools to manage anxiety and engage in fact-based discussions. When people feel heard, they are less likely to resort to conflict,” Prof Yendork urged.
The 421 graduands comprised of 233 fellows who received Certificates in Counseling, 85 fellows in Marriage and Family Therapy, 84 fellows in Child and Adolescent Counselling, and 19 fellows in Cyber Trauma Counselling, and Corporate Mental Health Counselling.
Ten Prison Officers from the Nsawam Prison were among the 10th graduating fellows ceremony which was on the theme: “Mental Wellness and Peace Building Amidst Election 2024”.
About TUCEE
Established in 2013 as a Ghanaian based non-governmental organisation, TUCCE stands for Transforming our Universe via Counselling, Education and Empowerment.
TUCEE Institute of Counseling and Technology (TICT) which started with a humble beginning as a monthly program for women dubbed “Women Counselling Women” has grown to its current status as a registered entity which trained over 3,000 thousand counsellors over the years.
TUCEE specialises in the training counsellors through the integration of technology to ensure accessible counselling services to all, any time irrespective location and unique circumstances that may require privacy.
It trains and licensees Mental Health, Social Work and Public Health practitioners as well as religious leaders and people of all backgrounds to support their clients to make informed decisions about prevention, intervention or post-vention support in any aspect of life.
By: Christian Kpesese
