Mental Health Crisis Hits 2.3 Million Ghanaians — Minister Calls for Urgent Action

By Patrick Biddah

Health Minister Kwabena Minkah Akandoh has urged immediate and ongoing actions to tackle the rising mental health challenges in the nation, revealing that over 2.3 million people across Ghana are affected by mental disorders.

At the inauguration event of six recently formed health councils in Accra on July 11, 2025, the Minister, who additionally serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Juaboso, referred to the circumstances as both a nationwide emergency and an opportunity.

The six panels include the Mental Health Authority, the Ghana College of Pharmacy, and the Allied Health Professions Council.

The remaining entities include the National Ambulance Service, the Traditional Medicine Council, and the National Blood Council.

Approximately two percent of individuals experiencing mental health issues get some type of official psychological care," he stated. "This discrepancy is something the newly formed board of the Mental Health Authority needs to address.

He called on the board to drive a nationwide change in perspectives regarding mental health treatment through increasing availability, enhancing local support systems, incorporating mental wellness into standard medical practices, and combating prejudice.

Focusing on the Ghana College of Pharmacists, the Minister pointed out the critical lack of pharmacists within the nation, noting that Ghana has less than 20 pharmacists for every 100,000 individuals—substantially under the OECD standard of 85 and much lower compared to certain developed nations.

He emphasized that the institution plays a vital part in bridging this gap via education, expertise development, and aiding Ghana's aspiration to emerge as a center for drug production.

"Pharmacists should not merely distribute medications but also take initiative in public health, drug development, and ensuring product standards. Their knowledge will play a key role in Ghana's medical manufacturing prospects," he stated.

Akandoh also spoke to the Allied Health Professions Council, urging increased acknowledgment and assistance for allied health professionals including physiotherapists, radiographers, dietitians, and laboratory technologists.

"These experts serve as the unseen foundation of health services. It is essential that they receive proper training, oversight, and support to maintain top-quality patient care," he stressed.

Regarding the National Ambulance Service, the Minister recognized the work done in developing the service but pointed out that response times are still too slow, with an average of 17 minutes—over twice the World Health Organization's suggested 8-minute benchmark.

He advocated for a full transformation of the emergency services framework, encompassing better vehicle upkeep, enhanced community confidence, and improved availability in remote areas, where utilization continues to be strikingly minimal.

Speaking to the Traditional Medicine Council, the Minister stated that traditional medicine continues to be the main source of health care for approximately 60 to 70 percent of Ghanaians, where one practitioner serves 400 clients.

He called on the Council to make sure that customary practices are properly controlled and combined with contemporary medical systems, all while maintaining quality benchmarks and safeguarding individuals receiving care.

In conclusion, Akandoh expressed worry about the ongoing lack of blood supplies in the nation. In 2024, Ghana gathered slightly less than 190,000 blood units, significantly lower than the domestic requirement exceeding 300,000 units.

He called on the recently inaugurated board of the National Blood Service to spearhead vigorous donor initiatives and promote a climate of unpaid blood donations to maintain a consistent and secure blood supply.

The official emphasized to all committees that their responsibilities extend past regular supervision. "You aren't summoned just to monitor— you're here to guide," he informed them.

He ended by promising the Ministry's backing in terms of policies and collaboration, yet emphasized the importance of tangible outcomes, encouraging all committees to collaborate across different areas and ensure the Ghanaian patient remains central to their choices.

The post Two Million Three Hundred Thousand Ghanaians Suffer from Mental Disorders - Health Official Calls for Measures appeared first on The Herald ghana .

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