Museums and Cultural Spaces as Catalysts for Mental Health and Social Inclusion in Ghana: An Interdisciplinary Perspective

Museums and Cultural Spaces as Catalysts for Mental Health and Social Inclusion in Ghana: An Interdisciplinary Perspective

Christopher Effah Oppong , Alex Kwasi Azaglo , Dennis Atsu Dake and Fatimatu Hajia Ibrahim

Issue: Vol.6 No.14 Article 4 pp.3903 – 3921
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561438 | Published online 30th December, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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ABSTRACT

This study explores the emerging role of museums and cultural spaces in Ghana as platforms for promoting mental health and social inclusion. Drawing on an interdisciplinary qualitative framework that integrates public health, psychology, museum studies, and cultural theory, it investigates how cultural institutions contribute to psychosocial well-being and community cohesion. A multi-site case study approach was used, with data collected through semi-structured interviews, ethnographic observations, participatory workshops, and document analysis across three key institutions, including the National Museum of Ghana, the Manhyia Palace Museum, and the Nubuke Foundation. A total of thirty (30) participants engaged in the study with the use of the maximum variation of the purposive sampling strategy. The findings suggest that museums function as therapeutic and affective spaces, fostering emotional healing, identity affirmation, and a sense of belonging through aesthetic engagement, storytelling, and participatory programming. However, the study identifies structural barriers to inclusion, such as limited accessibility, under-representation of marginalized voices, and weak integration with health policy frameworks. Furthermore, innovations like art therapy workshops, social prescribing initiatives, and digital outreach demonstrate considerable promise in expanding museums’ social roles. The study concludes by calling for strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration and policy investment to fully realize the psychosocial and inclusive potential of Ghanaian museums. It recommends developing therapeutic, community-based programs in partnership with psychologists, social workers, and local organizations to promote mental health and social connection. Contributing to global discussions on museum-based health interventions, the study highlights African-centered approaches and argues for a culturally grounded, community-responsive museum practice.

Keywords: Museums and cultural spaces, mental health, social inclusion, art therapy.

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ABOUT AUTHOR(S)

Dr. Christopher Effah Oppong is a researcher, artist, designer, and cultural enthusiast. His research interests focus on Art history, Aesthetics, African Art and culture, Visual Art, Conservation, Contemporary Art, Museum Studies and Health. He is a lecturer in the Department of Architecture and Real Estate at the Sunyani Technical University in Sunyani, Ghana.

Dr. Alex Kwasi Azaglo is a lecturer and art educator in the Department of Creative Arts Education, Mampong Technical College of Education, Ghana. He holds a terminal degree in African Art and Culture from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. His research interests include Art History, African Indigenous Practices, Visual Communication, Museum Studies, Design Aesthetics, and Popular Culture. He is a member of professional bodies, including Design Ghana and the Art Teachers’ Association of Ghana.

Dennis Atsu Dake is a lecturer in the Department of Graphic Communication Design Technology at Tamale Technical University (TaTU), Ghana. He is also a practitioner-educator in graphic communication design with multidisciplinary research interests spanning art and design education, inclusive education, education evaluation, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Dr. (Mrs) Fatimatu Hajia Ibrahim is a lecturer at Tamale Technical University with over six years of experience teaching textile techniques, including macramé, needlework, crochet, beading, and embroidery. My research interests focus on instructional design models related to teaching and learning, and enhancing pedagogical approaches to teaching these traditional crafts. My PhD thesis explored the integration of scientific methods into the instruction of macramé, forming the foundation of my ongoing research. Beyond academia, I actively contribute to the sustainability of these handicraft techniques by sourcing raw materials, teaching youth in my community, and supplying materials to artisans. Through this outreach, I support skills development and help preserve cultural heritage. A fibre artist passionate about textile craft in Crochet, Macrame, and Needlepoint.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Oppong, Christopher Effah, Alex Kwasi Azaglo, Dennis Atsu Dake and Fatimatu Hajia Ibrahim. “Museums and Cultural Spaces as Catalysts for Mental Health and Social Inclusion in Ghana: An Interdisciplinary Perspective.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 14 (2025): 3903 – 3921, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561438.