Invest Resources into mental health – Dr. Akwasi Osei

The lack of mental health fund to back mental healthcare in Ghana has become one of the major problems affecting the implementation of the mental health policy. Speaking on “Talking Point”, CEO of the Mental Health Authority Dr. Akwasi Osei said there is the need to invest resources into mental health. He stressed that if enough resources are not allocated to the sector the risk burden will have consequences on the economy.

Dr. Akwasi Osei also expressed worry over the country’s inability to prioritize mental health. He said anything about mental health has become an after thought, a situation he described as a setback for the sector. Besides, attributing most Mental illnesses to spirituality is also contributing to the upsurge of mental cases in Ghana.

Programmes Manager with Basic Needs Ghana, a mental health NGO Adam Dokurugu Yahaya also said there is the need to pay attention to mental health, given the abuse of tramadol by the youth in recent times.