According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 2.4 million Ghanaians may be experiencing mental illness in varying degrees.

Professor Francis Kasalo, the WHO representative in Ghana, claims that mental health problems are becoming more prevalent in Ghana.

In an interview on JoyNews, Kasalo said “It is in Ghana for example out of the population of almost thirty million plus it is estimated that almost 2.4 million have a form of mental illness. That’s not a small number and if you are looking at that number why are we not investing in ensuring that those people receive appropriate care? So the numbers are huge.”

He stated that the general public’s attitude towards the illness, which is most likely to be seen as a humorous affair, is a significant element hindering the delivery of mental healthcare in Ghana.

There are too few certified mental health specialists working in Ghana’s system of mental health services. Only 39 psychiatrists serve the entire country.

One of the least discussed topics in Ghanaian society and familial circles is mental health. Fear of stigmatisation has resulted in the topic being kept quiet.