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‘Protect human rights of Mentally Challenged Persons’
● Mr Dan Taylor
The Executive Secretary of MindFreedom Ghana, non-governmental organisation, Mr Dan Taylor, has called for concerted efforts to protect Mentally Challenged Persons (MCPs) across the country against increasing human rights violations.
At an event to commemorate this year’s Mental Health Day in Accra on Tuesday, he described the incidences of human rights violations as a ‘crisis’ despite provisions within the Mental Health Act 846, 2012 which guarantees the rights and freedoms of mentally ill persons.
“Human rights violations unfortunately continue to negatively impact mental health. Abuses including shackling, flogging, forced fasting, chaining and detaining people in obscure places continue to affect treatment of persons with mental health conditions in Ghana and has come under intense international scrutiny.
Having good mental health is a universal human right and everyone deserves to live in an environment where mental health is protected to ensure a healthier and more inclusive world for everyone,” he urged.
On the theme; “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right”, this year’s WMHD provides an opportunity for people and communities to unite in improving knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.
Mr Taylor noted that having a mental health condition should in no way deprive a person of their human rights or to exclude them from decisions about their own health.
He called for increased sensitisation and advocacy among all stakeholders to change ill attitudes and raise awareness on the rights of people with mental health conditions across the country.
“People with mental health conditions should be able to file complaints in cases of human rights violations. There is no gainsaying that mental health services need to be linked to services and support in the community, enabling people living with mental health conditions to access educational, employment, social service and housing opportunities on an equal basis with others.”
The promotion of human rights in mental health, according to the Executive Secretary further called for increased investment in mental health at the national level.
“The depth of neglect of mental health over the years means that the government needs to dedicate more of the health budget to mental health and establish the mental health levy in line with the mental health policy.
Government should also place modern psychotropic medicines on the Essential Medicines List and place it under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) while making sure that mental health workforce at each level of the health care system were developed and trained to ensure that all people have access to good quality mental health services that promote recovery and respect for human rights,” he advocated.
By Abigail Annoh
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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
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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.
