UGBS PhD Unit Holds Online Seminar on Mental Health for Doctoral Students
The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) PhD Programmes Unit has organised another seminar and workshop aimed at supporting doctoral candidates, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing. The session was held online on 3rd February 2026, and featured Dr. Ernest Darkwah, a Psychologist and Health Promoter from the University of Ghana. Dr. Darkwah delivered a presentation titled “Mental Health: Optimising Your Mental Health as a PhD Student”. He explained the importance of mental wellbeing for students at all academic levels, particularly those undertaking doctoral studies. He noted that the intensity and demands of graduate education can significantly compromise mental health if not properly managed.
Drawing on findings from the American College Health Association (2025), Dr. Darkwah explained that stress is highly prevalent on university campuses, with over 80% of college students reporting feelings of being overwhelmed. He further highlighted that mental health challenges among PhD students exceed those of other academic populations and even the general population. According to research, the doctoral process itself contributes to psychological distress, with challenges often peaking in the final year of study. Dr. Darkwah pointed out that many PhD candidates in the Ghana are self-funded, unlike their counterparts in other countries who benefit from structured funding schemes. He explained that limited access to resources such as research data and library materials further compounds the stress associated with doctoral studies in Ghana, describing the situation as one that demands resilience hence referring to Ghana as “the land of the brave.”
To help students manage these challenges, Dr. Darkwah outlined several practical strategies. He stressed that PhD work requires structure, explaining that structuring the doctoral journey brings predictability, stability, clarity, and reduces confusion. He recommended the use of Gantt charts to help students plan activities, identify required resources, and manage timelines effectively. He also highlighted the importance of resources and networks, encouraging students to actively gather research materials and build professional contacts. According to him, having resources and contacts provides reassurance, reduces anxiety, and opens future opportunities.
Dr. Darkwah further emphasised the need for rest, describing it as “the best medicine” in mental health care. He encouraged students to make time for themselves, improve their sleep patterns, and, where possible, spend time in nature as a way of restoring mental balance. Additionally, he urged PhD students to actively seek grants and funding opportunities, develop the skills required for successful grant applications, attend conferences and workshops, and take advantage of free or locally available academic resources. Dr. Darkwah introduced the “Four Cs” of psychological resilience —Control, Commitment, Challenge, and Confidence. He explained that control relates to a person’s sense of self-worth and emotional regulation; commitment reflects goal orientation and persistence; challenge involves embracing change, setting boundaries, and accepting risk, while confidence refers to self-belief and the ability to handle interpersonal and academic challenges.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Darkwah advised students to begin stress management by identifying sources of stress in their lives and accepting responsibility for their role in maintaining or reducing stress levels. He noted that responses to stress vary among individuals and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. He encouraged students to prioritise tasks, modify or eliminate stressors where possible, and seek professional psychological support when necessary.
The session was moderated by Dr. Baah Aye Kusi, who shared his personal experiences with students. He emphasised the therapeutic value of spending time in nature, particularly by the sea and observing ocean waves, as a means of supporting mental health. He encouraged students to learn from one another, actively participate in such capacity-building programmes, and expressed appreciation to the guest speaker for the insightful presentation.