By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu, GNA
Bolgatanga, March 25, GNA – Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has raised alarm over the escalating incidence of mental health challenges affecting both health professionals and the public.
Speaking at the Region’s 2025 Annual Performance Review meeting, Dr Abubakari described the situation as a “worrying trend,” that required urgent attention.
The review was held on the theme: “Strengthening health systems for sustainable and equitable access to quality health care: the role of monitoring and supportive supervision.”
Dr Abubakari provided sobering data to illustrate the crisis, saying suicide attempts rose from seven per 1,000 in 2024 to nine per 1,000 in 2025, while depression incidence surged significantly from 50 per 1,000,000 in 2024 to 138 per 1,000,000, a nearly 176 per cent increase in the year under review.
He said to combat the rising figures within the Service, management of the Regional Health Directorate instituted various support initiatives, most notably the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
“Staff are encouraged to bring issues of abnormal behaviour of colleagues to the attention of their managers for such staff to receive the needed attention before it gets out of hand,” he said.
He further extended his plea to members of the public, urging residents to consult healthcare providers immediately they noticed signs of mental distress or behavioral changes in relatives or associates.
Beyond mental health, the Director emphasised a strategic shift in management, noting that the Service was moving away from “punitive, top-down inspections” in favour of a collaborative monitoring approach.
The Regional Director noted that the method was designed to boost worker morale, strengthen health systems, and ultimately ensure better patient outcomes.
Despite chronic hurdles including human resource gaps and logistical constraints, Dr Abubakari reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to supporting districts in building a robust healthcare system.
He lauded the resilience of his team, acknowledging their tremendous sacrifices and dedication to hard work among health workers, who contributed tremendously to the region’s health indicators.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/ Christabel Addo