Pic: Lydia Abena Manu (President and Founder of Willing Way Foundation)
Recent research carried out by Willing Way Foundation Ghana indicates that over 3.1 million Ghanaians have mental disorders which need urgent medical attention and counselling.
October 10th has been dedicated to creating awareness about mental health around the world. The theme of this year’s celebration is, “Make mental health for all a global priority.”
President and Founder of Willing Way Foundation, Lydia Abena Manu in an interview with Nana Yaw Mensah Joel on Oyerepa Breakfast Show disclosed that about 3.1 million Ghanaians representing 10% of the total population of Ghana are mentally ill.
According to the founder, reports and statistics indicate that in the year 2020 it was recorded that about 5,036 were mentally ill, in 2021, it recorded 4, 476 whilst this year 2022,5, 376 cases of mental illness have been recorded.
However, it is estimated that Ghana loses about 7% ($ 5 billion) of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to mental disorders, according to Ghana’s Mental Health Authority.
Further research also reveals that over 3.1 million Ghanaians and 900million people worldwide are suffering from some form of mental illness according to the World Health Organization.
These happenings , according to Willing Way Foundation Ghana, call for global action to improve mental healthcare, especially in low-income countries like Ghana.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in their recent study has also said depression is one of the leading causes of disability, while suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com / Nana Freduah Agyemang Derrick
