Health authorities in the Ashanti Region are urging a renewed sense of care, understanding and acceptance for people living with mental health conditions.
The Ashanti Regional Health Director, Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, says despite available interventions, stigma and lack of awareness continue to prevent many people from seeking life-saving treatment.
He noted that schizophrenia tops the list of mental health cases in the region, followed by epilepsy and depression.
The Ashanti Region is joining other parts of the country to observe May as “Purple Month,” designated as Mental Health Awareness Month in Ghana, under the theme: “Let’s move from awareness to action; the talk is too much.”
Dr. Adomako-Boateng said the observance marks a shift from awareness creation to practical and measurable actions to support persons living with mental health conditions.
“This year’s observance reminds us of the need to eliminate stigma, encourage early diagnosis and treatment, and strengthen public education on mental health conditions,” he said.
He added that the campaign seeks to move beyond conversation to concrete actions that improve access to mental health services.
“Together, let us wear purple, spread awareness, and stand in solidarity with persons living with mental health conditions,” he added.
His remarks come as the region recorded a slight increase in mental health cases, rising from 8,606 in 2024 to 8,730 in 2025.
Schizophrenia accounted for 4,467 cases, followed by epilepsy with 3,521 cases, and depression with 1,120 cases.
Dr. Adomako-Boateng urged families, communities, schools, and workplaces to support affected persons and eliminate discrimination.
“People living with mental health issues are not cursed, they are not sinful, they are not unrighteous. It can happen to any of us,” he said.
The Regional Health Directorate has pledged to improve access to quality mental health services, strengthen public education, and enhance advocacy efforts aimed at improving overall wellbeing.
