EXPLAINER: Ghana's first Maternal Mental Health Policy and why it matters

Ghana has taken a giant step towards improving the wellbeing of mothers and families with the launch of its maiden Maternal Mental Health Policy (MMHP).

The policy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), seeks to address psychological challenges faced by women during pregnancy and after childbirth that are often overlooked.

Maternal Health in Ghana: Progress, challenges, and the path forward

It will integrate mental health care into maternal and child health services across the country.

According to health experts, maternal health disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety and psychosis, are largely underdiagnosed.

In Ghana, the burden is compounded by stigma, low awareness and limited access to mental health services; hence, many women continue to suffer in silence and the symptoms of mental health disorders are often attributed to other causes.

Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof Samuel Kaba Akoriyae, said the impact of maternal health conditions often extends beyond the individual.

"These conditions not only affect mothers but also have long-term consequences on child development, family stability, and national productivity," he stated.

About the policy

The Maternal Mental Health Policy aligns with Ghana’s broader mental health agenda under the Mental Health Authority Ghana, which has been advocating for increased investment and reforms in mental health care.

It outlines a comprehensive framework to integrate mental health screening into antenatal and postnatal care services.

Healthcare workers will also be trained to detect and manage mental health conditions; additionally, referral systems will be strengthened for specialised psychiatric care.

In addition, key stakeholders will also step up awareness creation about psychological challenges faced by women during pregnancy and after childbirth to help reduce stigma and promote medical care.

Community-based support systems, including counselling and peer groups, would also be expanded to improve health outcomes for mothers and their families.

JKB/VPO

'JJ Rawlings did not die of COVID 19' - Dr Nyaho Tamakloe