Dr Anna Puklo-Dzadey, Medical Director at Pantang Hospital, has urged government to establish the Mental Health Board to pave way for the full implementation of the Mental Health Law.

Speaking at the meeting with the media caucus in disability in Accra, she said the establishment of the board is urgently needed for successful implementation of the law.

She indicated that the continuous delay in establishing the board is a violation to the law and it is important that the right thing is done.

She said the establishment of the board would ensure the integration of psychiatric service into general health care, quality care to the mentally ill, respect for the human rights of the mentally ill as well as decentralisation of psychiatric care.

“It would also ensure effective services with laws protecting vulnerable individuals from harm, ensuring their safety and wellbeing and also sets guidance for professionals to ensure good practice and outline their duties and responsibilities,” she said.

Mr Timothy Dassah Kayelle Projects Coordinator, Basic Needs Ghana, a non-governmental organisation and organiser of the programme urged the media to increase and intensify its coverage on issues of mental health and epilepsy and all other forms of disabilities.

He said the media should engage persons with mental illness or epilepsy on their success stories and show more commitment in advocating the formation of the mental health board and the legislative instrument.

Mr John Majisi, Member of Parliament (MP) for Krachi Nchumuru, asked Ghana Education Service to include disability in the education curricula to enable people understand the issue better.

Ms Ursula Owusu, MP for Ablekuma South called on government to develop the needed infrastructure to accommodate the mentally ill.

She said everybody is at risk when it comes to the issue of mental illness and it is imperative that the needed support is given to patients.