Mental Health Quality and Accessibility in Ghana

Interview on GhOne on research conducted by BasicNeeds-Ghana to unearth issues of access and quality of Ghana's #mental health sector. Sponsored by STAR-Ghana Foundation
Project Title: ‘Accessible and quality mental health care for poor and marginalized persons with mental disabilities’
Introduction
Mental health is an essential component of every person’s health and well-being yet it is one of the most neglected non-communicable diseases in Ghana and most parts of the world. Many people in Ghana with mental health needs are able to access quality mental health services for various reasons. Donors such as STAR Ghana Foundation and UK aid, among others, have enabled Ghana’s mental health subsector to keep on functioning. However, given that Ghana has more than 90% mental health treatment gap, it is of absolute importance that government takes on its responsibility of providing the resources and funds which are necessary to deal with this silent epidemic before it is too late.
Study Background
Majority of people with Mental, Neurological and Substance use (MNS) disorders who require care do not get the care they need, when they need it and where to get the care they need. The World Health Organization estimates the treatment gap at 98% of the total population expected to have a mental disorder.
The Purpose of this study was to understand the gaps and opportunities of sustainable financing of mental health care services at the district, and lower levels of health services in the selected districts and to make recommendation for increasing funding for mental health services in Ghana, especially at the district and lower-levels of care.
Key findings of the study
• Mental, Neurological and substance use disorders are highly stigmatized, neglected in funding, infrastructure, and human resources at all levels of care, as compared to the other services of the health care system. There is very insufficient funding support of mental health services by the Districts, Metropolitan, and Municipal Assemblies.
• Religious bodies and Non-governmental organizations play a very important role in funding mental health services at the community levels.
• A national health policy that establishes a solid financial base and efficient mental health system to increase access and delivery of mental health services is crucial to ensure a sound mental health of individual and societal well-being, to promote economic growth and poverty reduction in Ghana. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 aims to ensure that every person, every age group, living everywhere has access to health care services including mental health services.
Recommendations
• The study recommends more prioritization of mental health services in Ghana, especially at the community level, through adequate funding from the District Assemblies Common Fund.
• More community education that includes stakeholders in the health sector, schools, religious bodies and multisectoral involvement can increase awareness of mental health issues and help reduce stigmatization and neglect of people with Mental, Neurological and Substance use disorders.
• More education on mental health issues to curb discrimination and stigmatization of mental health in Ghana.
• Undertake real- time rigorous operational research in mental health service delivery and access and its related human rights issues, to generate the needed evidence for policy and Programmes implementation.
• A targeted allocation of at least 20% of the total health budget to mental health will help boost the service. Additionally, there is the need to incentivize mental health service personnel, and to attract personnel for training to fill the human resource and treatment gaps. Furthermore, the government need to create an enabling environment to attract private participation in mental health service delivery in Ghana.
Conclusion
The Ghana Mental Health System needs serious capital and human resource investment. The Government of Ghana can achieve this through Public-Private Partnership by offering tax concession and enabling environment for private health investors to invest in the mental health sector.
Finally, the publication of the Mental Health Regulations 2019 (L. I. 2385) to enable full implementation of the Mental Health Act 2012, (ACT 846) to improve the quality of mental health delivery in Ghana