Kumasi: The expansion of mental health services in Ghana requires urgent policy reforms and dedicated special initiatives to make care more accessible, equitable, and aligned with international human rights standards. Dr. Yaw Amankwa Arthur, Deputy Director of Health Promotion at the Mental Health Authority, who made the call, said a sizeable number of individuals with mental illness in the country received no treatment at all.

According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Arthur stressed the urgent need to extend care and support to these individuals through inclusive and responsive health systems. He highlighted the World Health Organization's (WHO) new guidance aimed at helping countries reform their mental health systems to provide quality care irrespective of socio-economic status. He called on stakeholders, civil society organisations, and the broader community to come together in support of mental health patients, noting that most of them lack access to essential services.

Dr. Arthur emphasized that investing in mental health will not only enhance the well-being of individuals but also contribute to economic growth and reduce the burden of mental illness. He further explained that addressing the deep-rooted issues of stigma and discrimination is key to improving mental health outcomes. He was of the view that when mental health receives the necessary attention and funding, the country can bridge the wide treatment gap and tackle the social exclusion that many sufferers experience.

Globally, about 970 million people were living with a mental health disorder in 2019. In Ghana, an estimated 13 percent of the population experiences some form of mental health disorder, with around three percent suffering from severe conditions, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent. Dr. Arthur called for increased research to better understand the prevalence, risk factors, and most effective interventions for mental health conditions.

He also underscored the importance of public education on maintaining mental well-being, encouraging people to stay socially connected, learn new skills, and prioritise their mental health. He advocated for the implementation of regular mental health screening and preventive programmes to enable early detection and timely intervention.