Upper East GHS calls for greater inclusion of Mental Health patients in service delivery
Upper East Regional Mental Health Coordinator Gifty Polycarp urges greater involvement of patients and caregivers in mental health planning, service delivery and advocacy to tackle stigma and improve access to care.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the Upper East Region has called for the active involvement of people with lived experience of mental health conditions and their caregivers in mental health planning, service delivery and advocacy.
The Regional Mental Health Coordinator, Gifty Polycarp, said such inclusion was necessary to improve mental health services and ensure that the needs and experiences of affected individuals informed decisions on their care.
In a statement to commemorate World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2026 under the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” she stressed the need to move beyond public awareness to practical action that improves the lives of people living with mental health conditions.
She identified stigma and discrimination, inadequate human resources and limited community-based services as some of the major challenges confronting mental health care in the region.
According to her, these barriers often prevent people from seeking professional assistance early, making it necessary to intensify public education and strengthen access to mental health services at the community level.
Polycarp said the GHS would continue to involve patients and caregivers in service improvement, while expanding public education in communities, schools, churches, mosques and other public spaces to address misconceptions surrounding mental health.
She added that efforts would also focus on integrating mental health care into primary healthcare, alongside counselling, psychosocial support, rehabilitation and substance-use prevention, particularly among young people and vulnerable groups.
The Regional Mental Health Coordinator called on traditional and religious leaders, Municipal and District Assemblies, the media, civil society organisations, development partners and the general public to support initiatives that create safe and supportive environments for people to seek help without fear or shame.
“Mental health conditions are treatable. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness” she stated, urging people experiencing depression, anxiety, substance-use problems and other mental health challenges not to suffer in silence but to seek professional assistance at the nearest health facility.
Polycarp also commended mental health professionals in the region, particularly Dr. Josephine Opoku Kyereme and Dr. Dennis Daliri, as well as mental health nurses, addiction counsellors, community mental health workers and volunteers for their dedication to patient care.
She further acknowledged the support and leadership of the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari, in strengthening the Mental Health Unit and promoting quality mental health services in the region.
As part of activities to mark the occasion, the Upper East Regional Health Directorate and its partners will organise radio discussions, school outreach programmes and mental health screening at selected health facilities from October 10 to 16.
The activities are intended to encourage public participation, promote mental wellbeing and improve access to mental health information and services across the region.
Polycarp urged residents to take an active interest in the activities and support efforts to build a society where people experiencing mental health challenges are treated with dignity and receive the care they need.
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