A Call On The President To Assent To The Mental Health Bill

PRESS RELEASE – 22/03/2012

The deplorable conditions that characterized Ghana’s psychiatric hospitals are well documented and are no secrets any longer. Mental health service has long been neglected and many governments since independence have not shown enough commitment and devotion. There are numerous reports of suicides and murders in our media which clearly underscores the prevalence of mental illness in our communities. Mental health continues to suffer neglect in terms of practical sustainable actions that will bring about results for the benefit of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized in our society. These are indicators of crisis; subject to data and statistics. Any country that trivializes mental illness will soon be caught in such unsavory situations with dire implications for human security and sustainable development.

The Mental Health Bill, drafted in 2004 and completed in 2006, hailed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the best legislations worldwide was unexpectedly passed on Saturday, March 2, 2012 by Parliament, amidst wild applause by psychiatric doctors and nurses nationwide as well as joy at the World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarters in Geneva.

For All Africa Foundation (NGO) is excited that the Presidency responded to the call of mental health activist and advocates to expedite the passage of the law. For All Africa Foundation (NGO), will like to commend and congratulate the institutions of state especially the Presidency for facilitating the passage of the law.

On the other hand, FAAF (NGO) is calling on the Presidency to show commitment and take the following actions to show to the world that we respect the rights of the vulnerable in our society.

1. Assent to the Bill

2. Resource the judiciary to set up tribunal with the authority to investigate complaints and review involuntary admission and treatment in mental health facilities.

3. Implement comprehensive, multifaceted and integrated intervention approaches aimed at promoting mental health in our communities as current policies and practices shows no cohesive policy vision.

4. Increase budgetary allocation to all mental health facilities for mental health patients to live a dignified life.

5. Impress on all District Assemblies to cater for persons with unstable mind on the streets in their catchment areas with funds from the allocations provided for in the budget.

The state of the mental health calls for action, bold and swift. The time has come to set aside parochial interest and pursue what is right. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to flip the mental health crisis around with the Mental Health Law and the President not only assenting the bill but ensuring its implementation, monitoring and evaluation — because only then can we restore the vital trust between the people and their government after the disappointing disability law.

SANAHENE JAMES (DIRECTOR) 0246 511 486 GODFRED KORLEY (PROGRAM MANAGER) 0242 785151 forallafricafoundation@gmail.com