About the Project

The Ghanaian Mental Well-being Project is an ongoing collaborative community-based initiative aimed at documenting the current understanding of mental well-being and identifying factors that may increase the risk of stress, anxiety, and depression among Ghanaian immigrants living in New York City.

The collaborative leadership team consists of Ms. Ramatu Ahmed, African Life Center, Dr. Adeyinka Akinsulure-Smith from City College, and Dr. Margrethe Horlyck-Romanovsky, DrPH from the Immigrant Health Lab at Brooklyn College. The project is funded by the National Institutes of Minority Health and Health Disparities and led by Dr. Faustine Williams, PhD.

Project Phases and Aims

Phase I

Introduce the Project & General Discussion about Mental Well-being

Our initial event, the Key Stakeholder Meeting, took place on November 4, 2023. During this session, we introduced the project and its team members to the Ghanaian community in New York City, as well as those who collaborate with or serve the community.

Phase II

Conduct In-depth Interviews with members of the community

Phase II involved conducting in-depth interviews with 90 community members. The interviews explored the lived experiences, challenges, and mental health needs of Ghanaian immigrants, providing insights into acculturation stressors, barriers to mental healthcare, and overall mental well-being. Following the interviews, Community Town Halls were held in each of the five boroughs to share findings and gather community feedback. Learn more about our Community Town Halls. This phase was completed in September 2024.

Phase III

Develop, Test, and Implement Survey Instrument

In Phase III, our focus is on developing, testing, and implementing a comprehensive survey instrument. This will enable us to gather quantitative data and broaden our understanding of the mental health landscape within the Ghanaian immigrant community. This phase is currently in progress.

Phase IV

Design Pilot Test Interventions

Phase IV aims to design pilot test interventions targeted towards addressing the mental health challenges identified in the previous phases. These interventions will be carefully crafted to meet the specific needs of the Ghanaian immigrant community.

Phase V

Community Sharing of Findings

During Phase V, we will share the project’s findings with the community, ensuring that the knowledge gained is disseminated widely. This aim is crucial for raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and promoting mental well-being within the Ghanaian immigrant community in New York City.

Future Directions

Expand and Extend Interventions to Other African Immigrant Communities

With the successful implementation of the Ghanaian Mental Well-being Project, we envision expanding and extending the interventions to other African immigrant communities. By doing so, we hope to make a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of various African communities residing in New York City.