A lecturer at the Department of Mental Health School of Nursing and Midwifery of the University of Ghana, Samuel Ajorlolo, has criticized government for failing to implement a legislative instrument to give meaning to the Mental Health Act.
Speaking at the launch of the 2019 Care and Action for Mental Health games in collaboration with the French Embassy, Mr. Ajorlolo said the law which was passed in 2012 has not improved mental health in the country.
“The mental health of the nation is questionable. A nation cannot progress steadily, a nation cannot develop particularly to attain the SDGs and there is a deficit in population mental health.”
“Unfortunately in our context in Ghana, attention to the issue surrounding mental health has been abysmal and this is exemplified by the difficulty we have in passing legislative instrument to support the Mental Health Act. So as we speak now the actual implementation of the act is in limbo because government does not see the need to pass the LI which will make it functional.”
The Attaché´ of Cooperation at the French Embassy in Ghana, Dr. Marion Chapon also said France is ready to support Ghana to improve mental health.
The plight of the mentally challenged
Physical, mental and emotional abuse is often meted out to the mentally disabled, which slows down their journey to recovery.
These acts mostly occur in the homes, communities and even the hospitals by health officials.
The Mental Health Authority has therefore collaborated with the World Health Organization to provide training to health professionals, individuals and other stakeholders involved in offering mental health care.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority (MHA), Dr. Akwasi Osei, has also suggested the establishment of a mental health levy to ensure effective implementation of the Mental Health law