Health authorities in Ashanti Region are reporting increased epilepsy infections in hospitals and facilities.

Over 2, 600 cases were recorded across the region last year, up from 1,498 in 2017.         

The Adansi South District leads the chart with 732 victims, mostly children. 

Poor antenatal care is among factors identified by authorities for the rising trend of epilepsy, especially, among children. 

Care seekers are said to turn to prayer camps and other religious centres for help because they spiritualise the disease.

Head of Psychiatry at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ruth Owusu Antwi, speaking at an event to mark World Epilepsy Day in Kumasi believes until public attitude to the epilepsy changes, the number of victims will continue to rise.

“The stigma attached to epilepsy keeps people away from the health centres, so it's about time people forgot about the stigma and go for help,” she said.

Dr. Owusu Antwi says the traditional way of inserting spoons in the mouths of people with seizure is wrong.

“The best thing to do is to remove every sharp object from the side of the individual and check t whether the airway is free or they are breathing and then put them on their side after the seizure".

Last year, psychiatric nurses were trained and deployed into communities to help Ghana's fight against the disease.

Reducing the treatment gap and disease burden remain a challenge in the Ashanti Region. 

Regional Mental Health Co-ordinator, Faustina Nuarko wants government and individuals to commit more resources for public education.

“We have to improve education on epilepsy especially [to[] make pregnant women aware and seek antenatal care often.”