Why Ghana needs to invest more in mental health

Ghana has a comprehensive Mental Health Law (2012) that has been praised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an exemplar to other countries for its focus on integrated, community-based approaches and for framing access to care as a human right. However, while the legal and policy frameworks exist to improve mental health services, implementation remains a challenge. The majority of people with mental health conditions in Ghana – between 85 and 98% of people in need – either cannot, or do not, access the treatment they require.