Hot!
Over 650,000 Ghanaians suffer severe mental disorder,depression
Over 650,000 people living in Ghana are suffering from severe mental disorder, with over two million, others suffering from moderate to mild mental disorder.
This was exclusively revealed to The Spectator by a team of doctors and experts in mental health, at the ‘Depression on the Mental Health Ladder: HealthCare Neglect and the Economic Cost’ symposium organised by the Rotary Club of Accra South, in Accra last week.
She estimated that, 13 per cent of Ghana’s population suffer from mental disorder.
According to Dr Charlotte Kwakye-Nuako, a Clinical Psychologist, depression is a major risk factor associated with mental health disorder which was characterised by feelings of severe despondency and dejection.
The Psychology expert indicated that it was a profoundly serious mental problem which could lead to suicide in most serious forms.
According to her, the number of people in Ghana projected to receive treatment for depression within the cases identified was estimated to be about 13,202.
“It is projected that about 30 per cent of those who received treatment would remain on antidepressants for life,” she underscored.
She said mental health problems are a major contributor to the global disease burden which is associated with premature mortality and generates substantial costs to the economy.
Mr Gerry Van Dyck, President of the Rotary Club of Accra South said it was important to pay attention and intensify awareness on the often overlooked aspect of mental health.
The President of the Rotary Club of Accra South lamented the infrastructural challenge associated with mental health care in Ghana.
He bemoaned that, there are only three mental hospitals in Ghana, two of which are in Accra and its environs, and the other located in the Central Region of Ghana.
“It is with this in mind, that the Rotary Club of Accra South with support from other partners has decided to construct a Psychological Health Resource Centre,” he reiterated.
He indicate that, when completed, the first phase would serve as a 24-hour contact point for psychologically distressed person, not only in Accra but all over the country by improving responses in emergency cases.
Adding that, the centre would also create an accessible point for referrals to treatment and other help centres.
The President further appealed to organisations to help execute the project.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
Hot!
Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Hot!
Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
