Melody Fafa Kportufe calls for end to stigma against people who stammer

Writer Melody Fafa Kportufe and officials from the Mental Health Authority are calling for a national shift in perspective regarding stammering, arguing that societal stigma poses a greater challenge than the speech condition itself. As Ghana prepares for World Mental Health Day, Kportufe emphasizes that the psychological toll on individuals who stutter is often exacerbated by public misunderstanding and a lack of empathy.

Stammering, or stuttering, typically manifests in early childhood and is characterized by the involuntary repetition of sounds, syllables, or words. While the condition is often rooted in genetic and neurological factors, experts clarify that it is entirely unrelated to a person’s intelligence or cognitive abilities. However, the emotional distress associated with the condition is frequently intensified by external factors such as anxiety, stress, and the negative reactions of others, which can significantly hinder social development.

Dr. Eugene K. Dordoye, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority, highlighted that viewing stammering through the lens of mental health is essential for fostering a more inclusive society. He noted that the fear of being mocked or misunderstood often prevents individuals from seeking support and can lead to long-term emotional struggles. While speech therapy remains an option to improve fluency for some, health experts stress that there is no universal cure, making social acceptance the most critical factor for a person's well-being.

The advocacy efforts aim to encourage Ghanaians to treat those who stammer with patience and kindness rather than frustration or ridicule. By reducing the pressure to speak perfectly, society can help bolster the confidence of affected individuals, allowing them to participate more fully in social and professional life. The Mental Health Authority maintains that as awareness grows, the focus must shift from attempting to force fluency to improving the environment in which affected individuals communicate.