Mental health is a growing global concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that one in every eight people worldwide is affected. By 2030, depression is projected to become the leading cause of disability globally.
In Ghana, the situation is even more alarming. Statistics reveal that one in five Ghanaians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, with an estimated 2.2 million people currently living with mental disabilities.
However, the country faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals—only about 80 psychiatrists serve the nation’s 30 million people.
Experts say this severe gap in mental health care resources has left countless individuals without proper diagnosis, treatment, or support.
A member of the Mental Health Authority’s communications team, Abigail Harden, in an interview with JoyNews, emphasised the urgency of the crisis.
“The shortage of mental health professionals is a serious challenge. Many people living with mental disabilities are left without proper care, and our facilities are struggling to cope,” she stated.
“Beyond the lack of medical professionals, many individuals with mental disabilities face dire living conditions, often abandoned or without access to proper housing. Psychiatric facilities remain under-resourced, making it difficult for healthcare workers to provide adequate care,” she added.
Mental health advocates are calling for increased investment in mental health services, the training of more professionals, and better policies to ensure that people living with mental disabilities receive the care they deserve.
As Ghana grapples with this growing crisis, the question remains: Will the country take decisive action to address its mental health challenges and provide the necessary support for those in need?
For now, however, the reality remains grim—millions are suffering in silence, with little hope for immediate relief.
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