Ghana has joined the global community in observing Mental Health Week, celebrated annually from May 12 to 18. In the Ashanti Region, the week-long campaign was officially launched at the Ejisu Government Hospital in the Ejisu Municipality.
The event aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize stakeholders to take collective action.
Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, used the occasion to urge stakeholders to prioritize mental health, emphasizing its growing impact on the population.
Speaking under the theme “Mental Well-being; My Voice,” Dr. Boateng revealed that “out of every five Ghanaians, one is found to be associated with mental-related problems,” amounting to 20 percent of the population.
Highlighting the challenges facing mental health services in the region, Dr. Boateng made a concerning disclosure: the Ashanti Region, which has about 43 districts, has only one medical doctor specialized in mental health. He described the situation as alarming and in urgent need of redress.
He further revealed that less than two percent of individuals living with mental illness in the region receive adequate care and treatment. The shortage of facilities is a major barrier—while the region requires approximately 860 mental health facilities, only about 100 are currently operational.
Dr. Boateng warned that delays in treating mental health conditions can result in severe complications, significantly diminishing the quality of life for affected individuals.
He called for coordinated efforts from government agencies, health professionals, civil society, and communities to improve mental health care infrastructure and services.
The launch of Mental Health Week in the Ashanti Region serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need to address mental health challenges. By raising awareness and mobilizing resources, stakeholders hope to improve access to care and ensure better outcomes for those affected.
