The Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority, Dr. Eugene K. Dordoye, has attributed the growing number of reported mental health cases in Ghana partly to improved detection.
He has also cited expanded reporting systems and increased access to mental healthcare, cautioning that the rise does not necessarily mean the actual prevalence of the conditions has increased.
According to him, the expansion of healthcare facilities reporting mental health information, coupled with improved recognition of mental health conditions and greater willingness among people to seek professional help, has contributed to the increase in recorded cases.
Dr. Dordoye explained that the number of facilities reporting mental health information had increased from 2,171 to 2,276, while monthly reporting submissions rose from 11,322 to 11,917.
He noted that the expansion of the reporting system had enabled more facilities to contribute information, bringing previously unrecorded mental health needs into view.
“The reporting system itself has expanded. More facilities are contributing information, and this can bring previously unrecorded needs into view,” he said.
He added that improved recognition of mental health conditions, greater willingness to seek help, and easier access to services could also account for the increase in recorded diagnoses.
The figures also show increases in several reported mental health conditions.
Recorded schizophrenia-related disorders increased by 18.5 per cent, while epilepsy cases rose by 2.4 per cent.
Alcohol-related mental disorders recorded a 39.6 per cent increase, with bipolar disorder rising by 37.4 per cent.
Overall, the five reported conditions recorded a combined increase of 21.5 per cent. Depression’s share of the total for the five conditions also increased from 12.68 per cent to 16.41 per cent.
Dr. Dordoye’s explanation suggests that the figures should be interpreted within the context of changes in reporting coverage, access to healthcare, and the identification of mental health conditions, rather than being taken as conclusive evidence of an overall increase in prevalence.
He said the government interventions have also contributed to efforts to improve access to mental healthcare.
These include the expansion of mental health services in health facilities, the inclusion of selected mental health conditions under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and the introduction of the Free Primary Health Care initiative.
The establishment of mental health departments in various hospitals has further strengthened opportunities for health professionals to identify and report cases, while improved public awareness has encouraged more people experiencing mental health challenges to seek assistance.
The Mental Health Authority CEO also indicated that improved government budgetary support for mental health interventions has helped strengthen the country’s response to mental health challenges.
He stressed the importance of sustained government investment, public education, and accessible mental health services to ensure that people experiencing mental health conditions receive timely and appropriate care.
Dr. Dordoye further commended the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for his commitment to addressing mental health issues, particularly through interventions aimed at promoting early detection and improving access to treatment.
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