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Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), a Ghanaian community-based non-profit organization, calls on the government of Ghana, civil society and development partners to prioritize and invest in interventions to address stigma and discrimination disability-related, and mental health issues in Ghana.
The organization is also calling on the government of Ghana to increase the allocation of funds to mental health facilities and to sustainably support people with mental health issues across the country.
HFFG is a beneficiary of the UK Aid funded Ghana Somubi Dwumadie program, a four-year disability program focused specifically on mental health. This initiative supports efforts to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities, including mental health issues, from reaching their full potential.
In a press release on World Mental Health Day 2021, the HFFG said that although efforts have been made by the Government of Ghana through the Mental Health Authority to reduce attitudes, negative and discriminatory behaviors and norms faced by people with mental health problems, many people are still denied equitable access to health and social opportunities because of their mental health problems, and this must be corrected.
World Mental Health Day is commemorated globally on October 10 each year with a focus on education, awareness and advocacy for mental health policies. This year’s theme is “Mental Health in an Unequal World”.
According to a 2020 study conducted by the Ghana Somubi Program supported by the UK government, stigma and discrimination related to disability and mental health issues is widespread in Ghana. The study identified language around disability and mental health issues, lack of community and family support, cultural and religious beliefs, and lack of law enforcement as the main drivers of stigma and discrimination faced by children. people with disabilities, including those with mental health problems.
Referring to this study, the Executive Director of the HFFG, Ms. Cecilia Senoo said: “It is an ongoing deterrent to breaking down barriers to mental health. It is sad that in Ghana mental health institutions are under-resourced and support from Ghanaian businesses is also negligible compared to other areas their funds go to. Elderly women in parts of the northern region, regardless of the closure of the Gambaga witch camp, still suffer from being lynched by family and community members due to mental health issues. Suicides and suicidal tendencies are all due to a lack of support and understanding of people’s mental health issues.
She said: “Mental health is a public health issue and there is not much we as a country can do unless we make mental health everyone’s business. “
She noted that as a beneficiary of the Ghanaian Somubi Dwumadie program with the PsyKForum, HFFG advocates that mental health education and well-being should be part of the Ghanaian agenda at all levels, stating: “The provision of ‘Psychosocial support and counseling should be made very accessible to all by setting up call centers and putting mental health services on their list of essential care under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Ms. Senoo said: “Law enforcement agencies and officials need to be more responsive in internalizing mental health policies to protect these vulnerable groups so that they can realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully. to their development, to that of families and to Ghana. in general.
HFFG in the statement also commended people with mental health issues, mental health professionals, families, caregivers, state institutions, civil society and businesses playing a critical role in making health mentally relevant in Ghana.
The Ghana Somubi Dwumadie program is managed by a consortium led by Options which consists of BasicNeeds-Ghana, King’s College London, Sightsavers, International and Tropical Health.
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