Accra: Mr Moses Suonyir Dari, the Wa West District Mental Health Officer, has called on the public to show care and support to persons living with mental health conditions to help them recover and lead productive lives. He emphasized that mental illness should be regarded like any other form of sickness and not as a punishment, curse, or moral failing, noting that stigmatisation only exacerbates the condition of affected individuals.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Dari made this appeal at Meteu in the Wa West District during a programme organized by Innovations for Sustainable Rural Development (ISRuDeV) to mark this year's World Mental Health Day. The event, which drew traditional leaders, healthcare workers, and numerous community members, mostly women, was part of ISRuDeV's efforts to promote the health and well-being of rural communities, especially women and youth groups.
Mr Dari observed that mental illness is often wrongly attributed to drug abuse or anti-social behavior such as theft, influencing people's attitudes toward those with mental health disorders. He added that discrimination and derogatory labeling further harm the condition of affected persons and impede their recovery.
He pointed out that while many trained psychiatric nurses in the country are ready to provide care and treatment, a significant challenge remains the lack of essential drugs for mental health, hampering effective service delivery. 'The problem in Ghana is that policymakers do not prioritize mental health. The government seems to focus more on physical health than on mental well-being,' the Mental Health Officer stated.
Mr Dari appealed to the government to adequately fund mental health programs and ensure a consistent supply of medication across all levels of healthcare delivery. He also urged stakeholders, including traditional leaders, healthcare professionals, and politicians, to collaborate in providing adequate treatment and care for persons with mental health conditions. Additionally, he called on families to refrain from inhumane practices such as chaining individuals with mental health disorders, stressing that these actions worsen their conditions and violate their human rights.
Mr Anacetus Banakoma, the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District Mental Health Officer, expressed concern over the rising rates of substance abuse in rural communities, which have serious implications for users' mental health. He highlighted cases of men, women, and youth abusing snuff (locally known as inye), with some women reportedly inserting the substance into their private parts for sexual pleasure. He warned that such practices could lead to severe health complications, including mental health disorders and vaginal sores, and urged the public to desist from them.
Mr Maxwell Kpetaah, the Business Development Manager at ISRuDeV, reiterated the organization's commitment to promoting mental health awareness and supporting the well-being of rural populations, particularly women and young people. This year's World Mental Health Day was observed under the global theme: 'Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.'
