The TUCEE Institute of Counselling and Technology marked its 10th graduation ceremony on Saturday, November 30, 2024. The event celebrated 421 graduating fellows.
Principal Dr. Cecelia Tutu Danquah who delivered a heartfelt welcome address emphasized the institute’s mission to promote mental health and counselling through innovative approaches.
She reflected on the journey of TUCEE, which began a decade ago as a monthly program for women, “Women Counseling Women,” and expressed pride in its growth from its humble beginnings to a registered institution producing thousands of counsellors.
“This graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone in our journey. What started as a monthly program has grown into an institute training thousands of counsellors to address Ghana’s mental health needs,” she stated.
Dr. Tutu Danquah highlighted the ceremony’s theme, “Mental Wellness and Peace-Building amidst Election 2024,” as a call to action for graduates to use their skills to promote peace and mental health.
Explaining the TUCEE institute’s unique approach, Dr. Tutu Danquah emphasized integrating technology into counselling practices to ensure accessibility for all.
She said, “We chose to merge counselling and technology to promote ubiquitous counselling for everyone, anywhere, at any time. Whether in your bedroom or office, you can access a counsellor,” she explained.
The 421 graduating fellows comprised: 233 fellows in Certificate in Counseling, 85 fellows in Marriage and Family Therapy, 84 fellows in Child and Adolescent Counselling, and 19 fellows in Cyber Counselling.
In his speech as special guest, Deputy Director of Prisons (DSP) Joseph A. Vuu stressed the critical role of counsellors in fostering mental wellness, peace-building and attitudinal change ahead of Ghana’s general elections.
He expressed concern about the erosion of values in contemporary Ghanaian society, stressing issues such as dishonesty, moral decadence, and the pursuit of ill-gotten wealth.
DSP Vuu observed that the day marks another milestone in the history of the institute, which continues to churn out skilled counsellors ready to serve humanity.
He reminded the fellows that the essence of education lies in its application for the benefit of humanity and stressed, “No education is useless unless it is not put at the service and enjoyment of others.”
The guest speaker, Prof. Joana Salifu Yendork, Associate Professor and renowned clinical psychologist, has challenged fellows to take their expertise to the grassroots level, engaging with youth, women, marginalized communities, and rural populations to ensure their voices are heard and their mental well-being prioritized.
Reflecting on the emotional challenges elections often bring, she noted, “Elections test our unity, peace, and strength as a nation. As counsellors, you are essential voices for emotional stability and constructive dialogue. This is your moment to rise to the occasion.”
Prof. Yendork also encouraged the use of psychoeducational initiatives to counter election-related stress and misinformation.
“Support mental wellness initiatives like workshops and open forums. Equip individuals with the tools to manage anxiety and engage in fact-based discussions. When people feel heard, they are less likely to resort to conflict,” she advised.