Basic Needs Ghana, a mental health Non- Governmental Organization (NGO), is providing economic livelihood support to mental health patients and their care givers in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions.

The programme is part of an initiative of the NGO to support government efforts in responding to the mental health needs of the populace.

The programme started in six communities namely Bugiya, Kunkua, Takorayille, Gbane, Tingor, Nayorko in the West Mamprusi District in the Northern Region where 500 beehives and their accessories were presented to hundred beneficiaries.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr Bernard Azure, the Project officer of the Basic Needs Ghana in charge of the Upper East Region, said the project is being supported by the DFID.

He said 300 mentally stabilized persons with their caregivers drawn from the three Northern Regions would receive a total number of 1500 beehives with their complements to enable them embark upon beekeeping activities and cater for themselves.

Mr Azure said over the years the NGO had initiated many livelihood interventions including the training of master artisans to train mentally stabilized persons in various trade modules such as sewing and hair dressing.

He said most of the apprentices were doing quite well and expressed the hope that after the training, they would be supported to establish their own businesses to generate income for themselves and families.

Mr Timothy Dassah Kayelle, the Project Coordinator of Basic Needs Ghana of the Northern Region, said the project had among its components, a campaign against bush fires and addressing climate change issues.

He impressed upon communities not to stigmatize mental health patients but to give them the needed support by taking good care of them.

Mr Hudu Abubakar, an Agriculture Officer, took the participants through beekeeping and honey production processes.