Accra, Sept. 12, GNA - Members of Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG) have resolved to advocate for the inclusion and participation of people with mental illness and their primary careers in development planning at all levels of decision making in Ghana.

In addition, to ensure the dignity and rights of people with mental illness and epilepsy in Ghana, they would support the speedy passage of the Mental Health Bill and other legislative frameworks and mechanisms that promote access to equity and justice as citizens of Ghana.

The pledge was contained in a communique issued after the two-day third Annual General Meeting of MEHSOG held in Tamale. It was jointly organised by Basic Needs Ghana and MEHSOG on the theme; "Ensuring Total National Development Through Inclusive Planning the Role of People With Mental Illness in Ghana".

The communiqu=E9 said 93In order to ensure comprehensive development of Ghana, people with mental illness and their primary careers will actively contribute time and efforts to the development of Ghana".

It said national development planning needed to be inclusive of all segments of the society to ensure total development.

However, people with mental illness and their primary careers are not consulted on national development issues in Ghana. The communiqu=E9 noted that people with mental illness were still being excluded and denied their basic needs to participation and equal opportunities in society.

The delegates resolved to establish strong community base Self Help Groups of People with mental illness and their primary careers and representative district associations under the umbrella of MEHSOG for Self Representation.

Mental health service user movement is at an infant stage in Ghana.