The national president of the Ghana Psychological Association, Dr. Collins Badu Agyemang, has called on the Ghana Psychology Council to ensure the enactment of the Legislative Instrument (LI) that delineates their profession by next year.
Speaking at the 7th Induction Ceremony for Licensed Psychologists, Paraprofessionals, and Lay Practitioners at the National Theatre on the theme, “Ethics, Excellence, and Leadership in Psychological Practice in Ghana,” Dr. Agyemang expressed concern about the delay and urged the Council to act swiftly in that regard.
“We hope by next year Madam Chair would tell us that our LI has finally gone through so that it will open the doors for many opportunities and that will certainly define the main thing that we do and also set us apart.”
Additionally, Dr. Agyemang also urged the Council to champion the cause for practitioners to have the opportunity to work in government-related sectors.
“We want the council to support our fight for recognition when it comes to clearance for enlistment into mainstream government-related sectors. This is something all the associations have to work on and collaborate together so that our numbers will be able to push. We are confident that with the level of influence by the council, we will have their blessing for this sustained advocacy.”
In response, the chairperson of the Ghana Psychology Council, Prof. Angela Ofori-Atta, who was equally at the induction ceremony, however, stated that the Council is considering the contents of the LI. She also announced the Council’s vision to establish a College of School and Applied Psychology.
“The LI was mentioned, and we in the council will do everything possible to get it done by the time we have the next induction. The LI, there are things that we are looking at, such as the entry-level of who can be called a psychologist that is unclear within the Act and possibly state who is at the specialist levels. This kind of delineation helps when we work in collaboration with the professionals. The second thing I want to comment on is at the heart of the registrar where she mentioned a College of Applied Psychology for the near future. It is her dream, but I am hoping that with the LI, we will be able to move towards the possibility of a College of Applied Psychology.”
The Acting Registrar of the Ghana Psychology Council, Madam Anna Plange, advised all inductees to be ethical in their pursuit, as it is indispensable in the practice of psychology.
“Ethics is the bedrock of any profession, and in the realm of Psychology Practice, they are indispensable. Our ethical principles guide our interactions with clients, colleagues, and the broader community. They ensure that we provide services that are compassionate, respectful, and beneficial.
As Psychologists, we are entrusted with the most sensitive and personal information. It is our ethical duty to safeguard our clients’ confidentiality at all costs. This trust forms the foundation of the therapeutic relationship, allowing individuals to be open and honest without fear of judgment or exposure.”
A total number of 460 Applied Psychology Practitioners of different categories were registered in accordance with the standards approved by the Board to be inducted and received into the profession and practice of Applied Psychology in Ghana.