The Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) has announced free psychological first aid and counselling services for victims of the recent floods that ravaged parts of Accra and other areas of the country. It has also called on employers to introduce flexible work arrangements to support staff affected by the disaster.
According to the Association, individuals, families and emergency responders experiencing emotional distress in the aftermath of the floods can access support from trained psychologists through its dedicated helpline, 0553470086. The GPA stressed that while communities focus on rebuilding, the psychological effects of disasters deserve the same level of attention as physical recovery.
In a statement issued on July 1, the Association extended its condolences to families who lost loved ones, including those of victims reported dead in Alajo. It also expressed sympathy for the thousands of people whose homes, businesses and livelihoods were affected by the flooding caused by Monday’s torrential rains.
The Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) said the approximately 140mm of rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems, leaving major roads in Abeka, Lapaz, Achimota, Dzorwulu, Tesano, Weija, Mallam and along the Kasoa stretch of the N1 Highway impassable. The flooding also caused widespread property damage and severely disrupted daily life in several communities.
Beyond the visible destruction, the Association warned that many survivors could face lasting psychological effects, including shock, grief, anxiety and sleep disturbances, in the days and weeks following the disaster.
The Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) has called on the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other state agencies to integrate psychosocial support into ongoing relief operations, stressing that emotional and mental health care should be provided alongside food, shelter and medical assistance.
The Association said it is ready to support these efforts by making its members and professional expertise available to help design and deliver psychosocial interventions for affected communities.
It also encouraged people impacted by the floods to stay connected with trusted family members and friends, maintain their daily routines where possible, get adequate rest, and seek professional support if emotional distress continues.
Additionally, the GPA appealed to employers across Accra to temporarily ease lateness and attendance policies as flood-related disruptions continue to affect workers’ ability to commute safely.
The Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) said many employees are now contending with damaged roads and unsafe commuting conditions following the recent floods, making their daily journeys to work increasingly difficult. It cautioned that concerns over disciplinary action for arriving late could pressure workers into taking unnecessary risks just to get to their workplaces on time.
The Association urged employers to adopt practical measures such as flexible working hours, remote work where possible, and the temporary suspension of penalties for lateness. According to the GPA, these steps would help safeguard employees’ wellbeing while strengthening trust, loyalty, and positive workplace relationships.
The GPA also reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to enhance Ghana’s disaster response efforts, with particular emphasis on addressing the mental health impact of emergencies.