By Edward Williams
Hohoe (V/R), Nov. 5, GNA – The Mamaga Ametor II Foundation, a non-governmental organisation has held a two-day psychological counselling and empowerment training for traditional queens in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region.
The training, in partnership with the Holistic Counselling & Coaching Institute, would empower the participants drawn from the traditional areas of the Municipality on psychological counselling support.
Mamaga Ametor Hoebuadzu II, Executive Director of the Foundation and Paramount Queen of Alavanyo Traditional Area, said traditional queens were mothers of the land, custodians of culture and voices of wisdom, carried a holy responsibility that often demanded strength, patience, and sacrifice.
“Yet, behind the grace and authority of our positions, many of us silently face emotional burdens, stress, grief, and challenges that affect both our personal well-being and the way we serve your communities.”
She said the training programme had been carefully designed to provide psychological counselling support by creating a safe and respectful space for queens to reflect, share and receive guidance on mental health and emotional well-being.
Mamaga Hoebuadzu said the programme would build resilience and self-care skills by equipping participants with practical tools to manage stress, trauma, and the emotional weight of leadership.
She said it would also strengthen leadership and empowerment for participants by helping them embrace their influence not only as cultural custodians but also as agents of change in community development, conflict resolution, women’s empowerment, and youth mentorship.
Mamaga Hoebuadzu said the training was timely because in recent times, mental health was no longer a subject to be ignored, adding that communities thrived when their leaders were whole spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
She called on participants to open their hearts and minds to learn, share, and to embrace the healing process.
Apostle James Abbrey, Executive Director of Holistic Counselling & Coaching Institute, said traditional queens were coupled with many challenges within themselves in their family and the community, hence, the training would prepare them to become emotional healers, empathetic and listen to others and mediate to calm situations.
He said the participants were being trained to have good relationships within themselves and with everyone within their communities as well as to become mediators of conflicts through conflict resolution abilities.
Apostle Abbrey said the training would transform participants and equip them with wisdom and compassion to enable them to become advocates in their various traditional areas.
Madam Genevieve Ahafia, a Municipal Health Nurse, in an address on behalf of Mr Charles Azagba, Hohoe Municipal Director of Health Services, said traditional queens as custodians of traditions and community life, shouldered enormous responsibilities including resolving disputes, supporting development, and addressing the social and emotional needs of their people.
He said the responsibilities, though vital, often came with intense pressure and emotional strain, and it was therefore not surprising that some might turn to alcohol or other substances as a means of coping with the stress and demands of leadership.
Mr Azagba said the training was timely and served as a reminder that mental health was just as important as physical health and that even those who led and inspired others also needed support, care and understanding.
He said through the programme, it was the hope to strengthen the capacity of participants to manage stress, identify early signs of emotional distress, and adopt healthier coping mechanisms.
Mr Azagba said the Directorate remained committed to promoting mental well-being across all groups in the municipality with the believe that by empowering traditional leaders to maintain sound mental health, stronger and more resilient communities were also being built.
The training was on the theme: “Healing the Mind, Strengthening the Spirit.”
Source: GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Linda/Asante Agyei
