Mental health nurse and advocate Sarah Kpeli has raised serious concerns about how Ghana is handling mental health care. In a post on social media, she asked, “Are we making strides towards better understanding and support, or are we regressing into outdated perceptions and inadequate services?”
She believes that although other countries are improving mental health care, Ghana still faces major problems. These include stigma, a shortage of mental health staff, poor facilities, and high treatment costs.
Kpeli explained that in the past, mental illness was wrongly linked to evil spirits or curses. Today, some of these old beliefs still exist. “Despite the fact that so many years have passed, there is still the problem of stigmatisation,” she wrote.
She also pointed out that Ghana has only three main psychiatric hospitals to serve its entire population. Two are even located in the same region. Many towns don’t have proper mental health services at all. “In Ghana, one nurse is assigned to not less than five patients,” she added, noting the heavy burden on medical staff.
Another key problem is the high cost of care. Most mental health services are not covered by national insurance. “Seeing a therapist is perceived as a luxury due to its high cost,” Kpeli said.
She called for better public education, more hospitals, and updated training for professionals. Above all, she stressed the need for kindness. “Mental illness is no respecter of social standing. It can affect anybody at any time.”
Kpeli believes change is possible if both the government and the public act with commitment and compassion.