Ghana’s Mental Health Authority recorded 36,196 cases of five major mental health conditions in the first half of 2026, an increase of 6,414 from the same period last year. The figures, released ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, contrast with 29,782 cases reported between January and June 2025.
Schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders were the largest group, accounting for 15,193 cases. Epilepsy followed with 9,072 cases, then depression at 5,939. Mental disorders linked to alcohol use reached 3,081 cases, while bipolar disorder was recorded in 2,911.
The Authority cautioned that these numbers cover only half of the 10 conditions included in its full analysis. They also exclude individuals who do not seek treatment, often due to stigma and other barriers. It added that the rise might partly reflect more people accessing care rather than a true increase in prevalence.
Mental health conditions, the Authority warned, could affect Ghana’s workforce participation and productivity, placing pressure on families and hindering national development.
This year’s World Mental Health Day campaign carries the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” The Authority wants people who have experienced mental health issues to take part in shaping policies and services that affect them.
The Mental Health Authority urged government, health professionals, schools, civil society organisations, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, families, communities, and the media to include people with lived experience in planning, implementation, and evaluation of mental health programmes.
It emphasised that those living with mental health conditions should not be seen only as recipients of care but recognised as individuals with strengths and aspirations who can contribute to service improvement.
Stigma and misconceptions remain major obstacles to open dialogue and treatment access, the Authority said. It called for supportive environments where people can speak about their experiences without discrimination.
The media has a role, the Authority added, in reporting mental health issues accurately and respectfully. It encouraged amplifying voices of people with lived experience while protecting their dignity, privacy, and wellbeing.
As part of the World Mental Health Day activities, the Authority will conduct awareness campaigns in schools led by people with lived experience. These campaigns aim to encourage supportive attitudes among students and promote discussions about care, recovery, and policy interventions.
On October 10, the Authority will host an online panel discussion from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. titled “Turning Lived Experiences into Real Change in Mental Health.” The panel will include people with lived experience, mental health advocates, a clinical psychologist, and a psychiatrist. They will discuss how personal experience can shape mental health care and policy.
Deputy Chief Executive Dr Vivian Maame Aba Dadzie called on stakeholders to translate lived experiences into meaningful decisions and action. She urged health professionals to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, while traditional and religious leaders should promote healing without harm. Civil society organisations and development partners were asked to strengthen advocacy and service delivery.
She said government must offer leadership, resources, and enforce relevant laws. Families and communities were encouraged to provide acceptance, care, and solidarity.
The Authority reaffirmed its focus on public education and people-centred mental health care. It said listening to people with lived experience must lead to decisions that improve their lives.
Those seeking support can contact the Authority’s toll-free helpline at 0800 678 678.
According to Joy Online.
