Ghana Alliance for Mental Health urges Mental Health Fund activation

The Ghana Alliance for Mental Health and Development has issued an urgent call to the government to operationalise the Mental Health Fund to ensure sustainable financing for the sector. Established under the Mental Health Act of 2012, the fund has remained largely dormant, leaving the nation's mental healthcare system to face persistent resource shortages. The Alliance argues that activating this fund is a necessary step to move away from erratic funding and toward a robust system capable of providing quality care to all citizens.

In addition to financial reforms, the Alliance has proposed a 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities (PWDs) within local government roles. This recommendation is intended to promote economic inclusion and ensure that individuals living with mental health conditions or other disabilities have access to stable livelihoods. The group emphasized that meaningful inclusion in the workforce is a vital component of recovery and social integration, calling on local authorities to lead by example in their hiring practices.

The advocacy group also highlighted the critical role of the media and the broader public in dismantling social stigma. They urged media houses to prioritize educational content that fosters understanding and respect for those with mental health challenges. By changing the narrative around disability and mental health, the Alliance believes the country can eliminate the discrimination that often prevents individuals from seeking help or participating fully in their communities.

Looking forward, the Alliance is advocating for the active participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes related to policies that affect their lives. They maintain that the perspectives of those with lived experience are essential for creating effective interventions. The operationalisation of the 2012 Fund remains the primary priority, as it would provide the financial backbone needed to implement these inclusive policies and improve mental health infrastructure nationwide.