By Dorothy Frances Ward
Kumasi, Feb. 13, GNA – Sustained public education, improved access to care, and stronger institutional collaboration are essential to addressing myths, misconceptions, and stigmatization surrounding mental health.
Dr. Yaw Amankwah Arthur, a Mental Health Researcher, stressed that all stakeholders in mental healthcare must work to remove stigma associated with mental illness in Ghana.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi, he emphasized that mental health conditions are curable and that myths and misconceptions continue to discourage many from seeking treatment, worsening outcomes.
He noted that delays in professional care due to cultural misconceptions and spiritual interpretations exacerbate mental health issues. Patients require care, support, and empathy, not discrimination or social exclusion.
Stakeholders must promote understanding and acceptance of mental health conditions. Stigma remains a major barrier to reintegration for recovering patients, and families and communities should provide social support to aid recovery.
Dr. Amankwaah Arthur urged counselors to use innovative and digital approaches to reach young people facing mental health challenges, particularly students under academic and emotional pressures.
Reverend Samuel Ofori, a Kumasi-based faith leader, highlighted the role of churches in promoting positive attitudes toward mental health and discouraging harmful stereotypes. Religious institutions should complement medical care and encourage professional help. He stressed that rehabilitated patients often face social rejection, with some families refusing to accept treated relatives, and called for stronger community awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote reintegration.
He recommended integrating mental health education into school curricula, workplace wellness programs, and youth outreach initiatives. Government must increase funding for mental health services and ensure community health centers are adequately resourced. Rev. Ofori also noted a rise in local cases of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance-related disorders, many of which remain untreated due to fear of discrimination and lack of public understanding.
“Promoting inclusive language and discouraging derogatory labels for persons with mental health conditions is critical. Churches must collaborate with health professionals and social workers to promote dignity and human rights,” he said.
Members of the public who spoke to the GNA said that sustained anti-stigma campaigns could improve mental health outcomes.
They were optimistic that collective action would help build a more inclusive society, enabling individuals with mental health conditions to seek help without fear of discrimination.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Audrey Dekalu