Dr Ahmed Soori, a Psychiatrist and Lecturer at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University for Development Studies, has appealed to government to establish a psychiatric hospital in Tamale to treat people with mental health problems.

He made the appeal at the World Mental Health Day celebration in Tamale on Friday organised by BasicNeeds - Ghana and Gub-Katimali Society, both non governmental organisations, in collaboration with the Northern Regional Health Directorate to create awareness on mental health issues in the country.

It had as the theme: “Living with Schizophrenia in Northern Ghana - Concern for All.”

Dr Soori said when established, the psychiatric hospital would render mental health services to people in the Northern Region and beyond to help solve schizophrenia.

He called on relatives, community members, and healthcare service providers to offer equal services to mental health patients to facilitate their recovery.

Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Northern Regional Minister, whose speech was read on his behalf, urged all to eschew discrimination, stigmatisation, abuse, torture and public ridicule of people with mental illness.

Alhaji Limuna gave the assurance that Government was committed to implementing the Mental Health Act, which was part of its manifesto promises to ensure effective care and support for mental health patients.

Mr Badimak Peter Yaro, Executive Director of BasicNeeds - Ghana, called on Government to provide resources for the treatment of mental health cases in the three regions of the north.