BasicNeeds-Ghana Hosts Forum on Electoral Engagement for Mental Health Community.

Tamale: A day's sensitisation forum was held in Hausa-Zongo, a suburb of Tamale, aimed at empowering people with mental health conditions and their caregivers on how to engage effectively with political parties regarding their manifestos. This initiative was organized to educate these individuals on voting procedures for the upcoming general election and to guide caregivers on how to assist them in this process.According to Ghana News Agency, the forum, organized by BasicNeeds-Ghana and supported by funding from STAR Ghana Foundation, is part of a three-year project designed to promote inclusive and accountable governance. This project focuses on building the capacity of mentally ill patients and their caregivers, enabling them to interact meaningfully with political parties on issues that affect them, and urging parties to prioritize their needs if elected.Reverend Adam Dokurugu Yahaya, Head of Programmes at BasicNeeds-Ghana, highlighted the importance of engaging with Parliamentary and Presidential Cand idates on manifesto promises and policy statements. The initiative also aims to ensure that individuals with mental health conditions and their caregivers participate peacefully in the elections, minimizing any potential violence.Mr. Lucas Yiryil, Northern Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, served as a resource person during the forum. He educated participants on electoral processes, with a focus on minimizing rejected ballots and ensuring peaceful elections. He emphasized the importance of following protocols at polling stations to prevent violence and encouraged participants to seek clarification on any uncertainties to prevent disenfranchisement.Madam Fuseini Ebada, a caregiver who attended the forum, praised BasicNeeds-Ghana and STAR Ghana Foundation for providing a platform that enhances effective participation in this year's elections. Participants expressed their readiness to vote based on their engagements with political figures, rather than selling their votes or voting based on emoti ons.