As political parties gear up for the December 7 general elections in Ghana, Bismark Kwabla Kpobi, the Executive Director of the BSK Health Advocacy Foundation, is calling on citizens to prioritize mental health in their evaluation of political candidates. In a recent statement, Kpobi highlighted alarming incidents that underscore the urgent need for comprehensive mental health policies.
One such incident involved a two-year-old child who sustained critical head injuries after being assaulted by an individual with untreated mental illness found on the streets. In another tragic case, an accident victim exhibiting psychological symptoms was abandoned and left to die in a bush near Gomoa Ojobi after being denied appropriate mental health care at Trauma and Specialised Hospital, Winneba.
Mr. Kpobi’s statement emphasizes the neglect and stigmatization faced by individuals with mental illnesses in Ghana. He urges political candidates to present realistic and practical policies aimed at resourcing the Mental Health Authority and advancing mental health care across the nation. Despite the Mental Health Act 846 being enacted in 2012, its full implementation remains pending.
Among the key demands are the establishment of modern mental health hospitals nationwide, increased funding for the Mental Health Authority, and risk allowances for mental health professionals. Kpobi stresses that the nation’s progress is inextricably linked to the mental well-being of its citizens and that addressing mental health issues should not be merely lip service.
Kpobi calls on the media, religious leaders, and other opinion leaders to amplify this demand, urging them to hold political leaders accountable for providing concrete solutions to the mental health crisis in Ghana.
The upcoming elections present an opportunity for Ghanaians to ensure that their future leaders are committed to addressing the mental health needs of the populace. By demanding robust mental health policies, citizens can help foster a society where mental health care is prioritized and individuals with mental illnesses receive the dignity and support they deserve.
Bismark Kwabla Kpobi Senior Registered Mental Nurse (Practicing) Mental Health Advocate Executive Director, BSK Health Advocacy Foundation, bismarkkwablakpobi@gmail.com
By addressing these issues head-on, Ghana can take significant strides towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for all its citizens, ensuring that mental health care is given the importance it warrants in the nation’s political and social agenda.
