Mental health is a global pressing issue. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in every eight people worldwide, approximately 12.5%, is affected by mental issues.

By 2030, depression is projected to become the leading cause of disability globally.

Mental health issues affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and socio-economic statuses.

In Ghana, the situation is even more alarming as statistics reveal that one in five Ghanaians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, with an estimated 2.2 million people currently living with mental disabilities, according to a myjoyonline.com report.

Meanwhile, Ghana's mental healthcare system is facing a significant challenge, with only about 80 psychiatrists serving a population of approximately 30 million people.

According to Abigail Harden, a member of the Mental Health Authority's communications team, the shortage of mental health professionals has left many individuals without proper diagnosis, treatment, or support.

"Untreated mental health conditions can lead to severe consequences, including suicide, impaired relationships, and reduced productivity," she indicated.

The Mental Health Department of the Ghana Health Service is working to improve accessibility and availability of mental health services, but the shortage of professionals remains a significant obstacle.

"By acknowledging the severity of the mental health crises, we can take a collective action to address this growing global concern," she stated.

The mental health advocates are pushing for transformative changes to address the growing mental health needs, which includes increased funding for mental health services to improve accessibility and quality care, training, and hiring of more mental health professionals, developing policies that promote mental health awareness to reduce stigma and ensure inclusive care for people with mental disabilities.

You can also watch videos from the unveiling of the 2025 TGMA nominees on GhanaWeb TV below:





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