The Mental Health Authority is taking steps to shut down a spiritual healing centre in Kumasi where more than 2,000 people with mental health conditions are reportedly being kept.
Some of the individuals at the facility, according to Chief Executive of the Mental Health Authority, Dr Eugene Kobla Dordoye, believe they are receiving spiritual treatment from the centre’s leader.
He said the facility was previously licensed to operate.
“We wanted to close it down. He has a licence, but it has expired,” he said, while speaking at the 5th Graduation Ceremony of the Ghana Christian University College.
Dr Dordoye said the Authority is particularly concerned about the conditions at the centre, including reports that some of the people supposedly receiving treatment are being kept in chains.
He questioned how health professionals could effectively provide treatment to people who remain restrained.
He also cautioned the public against prescribing or administering medication to people with mental health conditions without proper medical guidance.
The Mental Health Authority’s move comes amid concerns over the treatment and conditions of people receiving care at unlicensed or unregulated spiritual healing facilities.
