Underfunding and lack of resources are undermining the effective implementation of mental health policies and programs and the work of the Mental Health Authority.

Executive Secretary of Mind Freedom Ghana, Dan Taylor, says this lack of commitment will critically affect the sustenance of a humane treatment regime for mental health conditions in Ghana.

He joins stakeholders in a call on the Ministry of Finance to institute a Mental Health Levy to resource the Mental Health Fund.

Ghana's Mental Health Act 2012 inspires direct state and non-state responsibility towards the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with mental health conditions.

The Act advances arbitration of violations of human rights and freedoms of persons whilst monitoring the practices and services of both formal and informal service providers.

However, lack of effective implementation, emanating from lack of resources is leaving facilities in dire challenge, as patients relapse when unable to afford mental health treatment.

Executive Secretary of Mind Freedom Ghana, Dan Taylor, says there is no roadmap for the institution of a levy or any kind of domestic resource mobilization for mental healthcare delivery in Ghana.

He is, therefore, calling for the institution of a mental health levy to resource the Mental Health Fund.

"If you take a patient to Accra Psychiatric Hospital you have to make a down-payment of 500 cedis. What happens when the person does not have the amount?

“That's why we are calling for the restocking of Mental Health Funds,” he said.

He spoke at a community awareness activity on mental health and persons with mental disorders at Adankwaame in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District.

The event assembled traditional, religious and community leaders, local assembly members, students, and families of persons with mental health conditions.

The outreach provided education on mental health conditions, and a platform for community influencers and leaders to facilitate social support.

Ashanti Regional Mental Health Coordinator, Faustina Nuako, applauded the strides made by stakeholders, including Free Mind Ghana, in curbing the seemingly rampant mental health crises.

“Now many hospitals have mental health offices and units. There is a good collaboration between these facilities and authorities. So we can definitely say addressing mental health issues has seen a major uplift,” she said.

Meanwhile, Rita Okyere, Senior Nurse Officer at the Asuofia Polyclinic is advocating an end to stigma, discrimination, and physical abuse.

“Treating people in a bad way due to how you perceive them is equally bad. No individual is better than the other. So we should be able to help each other in times of difficulty and crises,” she said