Mind Freedom Ghana a Non-Governmental Organization organized a workshop on mental health and wellbeing at the Freedom Hotel in Ho. The workshop which was under the theme: “why, when and how is mental health a universal human right” brought together Traditional rulers, Assembly Unit Committee Members, Religious leaders, and Social as well as Health workers to be trained on mental health and well-being.

 

In a speech read on his behalf by the Public Relations Officer of the Ho Municipal Assembly, Mr. Richmond Abake, the Municipal Chief Executive Ho, noted that, mental health should not be seen and left to only the mental health professionals and the victims alone to handle but a collective responsibility which involves every individual. He stated that, the Municipal Assembly through the Social Welfare Department, is ensuring that patients of mental disorders are not left out when it comes to the fair distribution of their share of the National cake.

 

A Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Eugene Dordoye, who spoke on theme: “why, when and how is mental health a universal human right” stated that, not being mentally ill, does not mean one is mentally healthy. According to him, one must know the challenges of life in order to overcome them. A Unit Head from the department of Social Welfare of the Ho Municipal Assembly, Mr. Wisdom Krakani who spoke on the theme: “persons with mental disorders in the family and societal settings” called on all to stop stigmatizing mentally deranged victims or persons, but rather show them love and the care they needed since most mentally retarded persons need no medication but attention, love and care from us all.

 

Mr. Dan Taylor a Director from the MindFreedom Ghana, pledged to extend their training to the remote areas of the municipality. According to him, a durbar of Chief and people would be held at Akoefe on Thursday 30th November 2023 to educate the people of that community on the same topic.