Counsellors in Ghana are being encouraged to adopt digital tools and modern approaches to better support the rising emotional and psychological needs of the public. The call was made in Kumasi during the International Conference for Counsellors and Associates, held under the theme “Becoming a World-Renowned Counsellor: Adapt, Innovate and Navigate.”
Addressing participants, Dr Cecilia Tutu Dankwah, Founder and National President of the Ghana National Association of Certified Counsellors, said that counselling can no longer rely solely on traditional face-to-face sessions. She explained that technology now enables people to access help from anywhere.
“The world has become a global village, and with digital platforms, counsellors can attend to people anytime and from any location,” she said. She added that no one should suffer in silence when help is now available through phone calls, video sessions and other online services.
Dr Dankwah also encouraged the public not to hesitate in seeking help, noting that counselling is a professional service capable of transforming lives. She further urged counsellors to prioritise their own well-being, stressing that they cannot effectively support others if they neglect themselves.
A clinical psychologist from KNUST, Sister Emily, told the conference that the profession must evolve with technology, especially in an age when artificial intelligence, digital communication and changing social behaviours influence how people seek support. She said counsellors must modernise their tools while remaining culturally sensitive to local realities.
“People no longer engage the same way they used to, so counsellors must adjust their methods to stay effective,” she noted. She also reminded practitioners of the importance of self-care to prevent burnout, which she said is becoming increasingly common in the field.
Deputy Registrar at the KNUST Directorate of Student Affairs, Mrs Victoria Degraft-Agyei, raised concerns about the growing number of untrained individuals posing as counsellors. She warned that the high demand for emotional support has created opportunities for unqualified persons to exploit vulnerable clients.
She called for stronger regulation to ensure only certified professionals practise, adding that poorly delivered counselling can cause more harm than healing.
Speakers at the conference agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward digital counselling, making online platforms essential for modern practice. They stressed that Ghanaian counsellors must “adapt, innovate and navigate” this new environment by building stronger digital presence and extending services beyond physical offices.
The Ghana National Association of Certified Counsellors said it hopes the discussions will help build a more professional, digitally enabled and accessible counselling system that responds effectively to the country’s mental health needs.
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