National Rehabilitation Center Urgently Needed to Address Mental Health Crisis, Says Psychologist

A Senior Psychologist, Professor Joseph Osafo, has called on the government to establish a National Rehabilitation Center to treat people with mental disorders. According to him, the needs of these people have been ignored for far too long, and it is time for the government to allocate resources to cater for them. He expressed concern about the inadequate attention given to people with mental disorders and recounted the dangers involved in encountering a person with a mental problem on the streets.

Speaking on a morning show on Peace FM, Professor Osafo emphasized the importance of having a rehabilitation center that offers both medical and psychological treatments, calling it a significant step towards resolving the mental health situation in the nation. He urged successive governments to take mental health seriously and allocate resources towards the establishment of such facilities.

However, as the nation waits for a National Rehabilitation Center, Professor Osafo appealed for the establishment of makeshift structures to serve the same purpose. He acknowledged that there is congestion in the two psychiatric hospitals in Accra and suggested the establishment of makeshift structures to accommodate patients.

For the most part, mental health has not been given the attention it deserves in Ghana. Mental health challenges are prevalent, yet the resources and facilities required to address them are woefully inadequate. The government has a responsibility to prioritize mental health and allocate the necessary resources towards its improvement. The establishment of a National Rehabilitation Center will go a long way in addressing this issue, providing people with mental health disorders with access to quality care and treatment.

The lack of adequate mental health care is not only a health issue but also a social issue. The neglect of people with mental health disorders has led to a high number of people wandering on the streets and posing a danger to themselves and others. The establishment of rehabilitation centers will not only provide medical treatment but also help to reintegrate people with mental health disorders into society, giving them a sense of purpose and belonging.

In summary, the government must prioritize mental health and allocate resources towards the establishment of rehabilitation centers to cater for people with mental health disorders. The establishment of such facilities will go a long way in addressing the mental health crisis in Ghana, providing access to quality care and treatment for those in need. The government must act now to provide the necessary support for this vulnerable population.