Mental Health Week: 20% of Ghanaians Suffering from Mental Problems – GHS
Ghana has joined the global community to observe Mental Health Week, which is held annually from May 12 to 18.
In the Ashanti Region, the Regional Health Directorate has launched the week-long celebration at a ceremony held at the Ejisu Government Hospital in the Ejisu Municipality.
The event aims to draw attention to mental health issues and mobilize stakeholders to take action.
The Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, has called on stakeholders to give mental health issues the much-needed attention.
Under the theme “Mental Well-being; My Voice,” Dr. Boateng disclosed that out of every five Ghanaians, one is found to be associated with mental-related problems, representing 20 percent of the population.
This staggering statistic highlights the need for increased awareness and support for mental health care.
In a startling revelation, Dr. Boateng stated that the Ashanti Region, with about 43 districts, has only one medical doctor specialized in mental health.
He described this as a dangerous portent that needs to be critically addressed. Furthermore, he disclosed that less than 2 percent of mental patients have adequate care and treatment.
According to Dr. Boateng, inadequate facilities are militating against mental health services, with the region requiring 860 facilities to meet mental health needs but only about 100 facilities available.
Dr. Boateng warned against late treatment of mental-related issues, which can lead to complications that affect the quality of life.
He emphasized the need for stakeholders to prioritize mental health care and address the challenges facing the sector.
The launch of Mental Health Week in the Ashanti Region serves as a call to action for stakeholders to work together to address the challenges facing mental health care in Ghana.
By raising awareness and mobilizing support, it is hoped that the region will take significant steps towards improving mental health services and providing adequate care for those in need.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Agya Sam
