Mental health professionals are calling on the government and health stakeholders to urgently integrate maternal mental health into essential child health services, citing the growing threat of postpartum depression (PPD) in Ghana.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement and first quarter Risk Communication Sub-Committee meeting on essential child health services in Ho, the Regional Mental Health Officer for the Volta Region, Salome Addy, highlighted alarming figures and gaps in care.

“Postpartum depression is affecting more Ghanaian women than we realize. It’s time we treated maternal mental health as a public health priority,” she said.

Globally, one in seven women suffers from PPD. In Ghana, studies show a prevalence rate of 3.1 per cent in secondary health facilities, rising sharply to 41 per cent in tertiary hospitals like Korle Bu.

The condition, often triggered by hormonal changes, stress, and lack of support, is linked to maternal suicide and long-term developmental problems in children.

Addy emphasised that despite the risks, Ghana lacks a clear national policy on maternal mental health. A recent WHO-FCDO analysis found limited training for healthcare providers, inadequate screening, and poor access to psychological services in maternal care settings.

“There is no health without mental health,” she stressed, calling for urgent policy reforms, regular screening for pregnant women, public education, and investment in mental health services at all levels of care.

The engagement was organised by the Volta Regional Health Directorate to strengthen risk communication and improve child and maternal health outcomes in the region.