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This is now beginning to change, with Ghana adopting a progressive Mental Health
Act (2012), a reflection of the substantial efforts made by a growing civil society
sector interested in mental health. A healthy mind of citizens transforms better into a
productive nation enhancing prosperity and growth which has the potential to enable
Ghana to shine as a beacon of hope for Africa.
The media have played their role in telling the ‘Unspoken and Unheard’ of various
forms of mental illness ranging from self-harm to suicide, depression of many
prominent people mostly in the formal sector of employment in Ghana. But what is
really known of the poor ‘Unspoken and Unheard’ farmer from Nandom in the
Upper West Region? Have the media broadcast changed people’s perception
about mental health or is still unknown, unspoken and classified as witch craft or
superstition?
Research indicates there are about 123 mental health outpatient facilities, 3
psychiatric hospitals, 7 community based psychiatric inpatient units, 4 community
residential facilities and 1-day treatment centre to cater for an
estimated population of 30.42 million of Ghanaians, which is well below what
would be expected for Ghana’s economic status, M. Roberts, et al (2014). It is
clear the above facilities are inadequate in providing appropriate treatment to all
those people affected and sadly tells the story of the ‘Dark Mind’ of the ‘unspoken
and unheard’ in Ghana.
Ghana has experienced a positive trend in its economic development over the past
two decades and seen a gradual strengthening of its democracy in recent years.
Ghanaian society scarcely speaks about mental illness, and people’s attitudes
haven’t change in speaking about mental illness, and when mental health is
discussed it is done in a way that perpetuates stigma and a fear of those that suffer
from it, with most forced to rather bear in silence than be labelled as “crazy”. This
overall picture hides persistent inequity.
Health policies should integrate and involve the community in an active participation
in the understanding and advocacy role of mental health as a measure of increasing
need. An awareness to openly discuss mental health and seek early treatment
requires a step change in the delivery and access to care for all Ghanaian’s. When
more people understand the importance of protecting the mental wellbeing of the
population, they will demand the policy changes to ensure it.
Transparency about mental illness will become a norm and will gradually render fear
and labelling obsolete. The research directives which aims to alleviate the
challenges faced by those suffering from mental health may provide pragmatic
solutions aimed at tackling this large mental health treatment gap.
Let’s talk about mental health in our homes, religious centres, workplaces and
communities and find solutions the now obsolete to and damaging concept of ‘Dark
Minds’.
Author: Pascal Landindome Navelle
United Kingdom
Email: pascal.navelle@mindnhealth.co.uk