Accra, 19 December, 2025 / 4:43 PM
The Chaplain of the Holy Family Ghanaian Catholic Community Church in Italy has urged young people from the West African nation to prioritize their mental and emotional health, noting that well-being is vital to their personal development.
In his message for the new year released ahead of 2026, Fr. Albert Kyei Danso expressed concern that many Africans, especially young people, are neglecting their mental and emotional health and often fail to seek counseling during times of crisis.
“It is unfortunate that a lot of us Africans do not take the issue of mental and emotional health seriously as we should,” Fr. Kyei said in the message that ACI Africa obtained on Friday, December 19.
He added, “From time to time, there is a need to see a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or even mature, trusted friends and relatives to help us get over our inner pains, hurt, and heal our psychological scars through expert therapy, words of encouragement through counselling, and other spiritual support from time to time.”
The Ghanaian Catholic Priest urged Catholics to always seek spiritual direction and confession when overwhelmed with the world’s struggles, adding that such direction “could be more than helpful to help you empty yourself and be empowered and renewed for growth.”
In his message, Fr. Kyei also urged young people in the country to create time for recreation and vacation, saying such an opportunity is essential for not only relaxation but also bonding with family members.
He emphasized that taking time to engage in recreational activities with family, work colleagues, or church groups not only promotes physical exercise, improving blood circulation and heart health, but also helps in burning excess fat.
Recreational activities, Fr. Kyei Danso said, “could be a daily brisk walk to burn down some calories and rest too to regain some lost energy and synergy.”
“Having relaxed, taken a good rest and exercised well continuously, one returns to work with a new enthusiasm and happiness, and that increases productivity and smoothens human interactions and relationships,” he said.
The Ghanaian Catholic Priest also urged youths to discover their true self, maximize their strength, and know their defects and work to improve them as the new year approaches.
On discovering their true self, Fr. Kyei challenged every youth to reflect on their nature, saying, “As a new year begins, there is the need to know the kind of person you are: are you quick-tempered, extremely patient, with self-control and balance?”
He told young people that once they identify their character traits, they should make every effort to understand the cause, whether it is innate or shaped by their upbringing.
Fr. Kyei said that once young people discover who they truly are, they find a guide to understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and decide where to channel their energy, time, and resources.
“Are you a good speaker or writer? Are you the caring and compassionate type?” he posed, noting that such self-awareness can help determine the kind of profession or business one is suited for.
He added, “One cannot be a caring and serviceable person but want to be a soldier, or a strict person but want to be a nurse. It is like putting a square peg in a round hole!”
He emphasized the importance of knowing one’s defects and working on them in order to build a strong personality and present oneself well during the new year.
Fr. Kyei noted that as individuals dedicate time to developing their talents, they must also address personal flaws, which may include anger, self-centeredness, jealousy, procrastination, laziness, shyness, unforgiveness, judgmentalness, alcoholism, womanizing, greed, or a thirst for power.
“Unfortunately, these defects can often derail, stagnate, or even truncate one’s growth in profession, business, and relationships,” he said.
He urged young people to reflect on how these flaws began, how frequently they appear, and under what circumstances, and to develop practical ways to manage them consciously.
“This might include avoiding situations that trigger anger, overlooking minor hurts, or addressing issues at the right time with true Christian love,” he said.
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