The government of Ghana has announced plans to construct three additional psychiatric hospitals in the Ashanti, Northern, and Volta Regions. This move aims to expand access to mental healthcare services in the country. The announcement was made by President John Dramani Mahama during a Citizens’ Engagement Open Forum at Goaso in the Ahafo Region. The forum was part of the two-day Resetting Ghana tour, which seeks to bring governance to the doorstep of ordinary citizens.
President Mahama also urged the youth to pursue training in critical health professions to address staffing gaps in the sector. He emphasized the importance of building a workforce needed to improve healthcare delivery. The President encouraged young people to take advantage of opportunities to train as critical health personnel. This call comes as the country seeks to strengthen its healthcare system.
The rejected health cooperation pact with the United States was also discussed during the engagement. President Mahama disclosed that the US government had expressed interest in dialogue with Ghana on the matter. The two countries had previously rejected the pact, but the US government is now willing to engage in further discussions.
The Citizens’ Engagement Open Forum provided residents with an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns about development and service delivery. President Mahama responded directly to the issues presented, while key ministers accompanying him took turns to account for their stewardship. They outlined the activities, achievements, and ongoing interventions of their respective ministries as part of the government’s accountability drive.
The two-day ‘Resetting Ghana’ tour of the Ahafo Region is part of the government’s efforts to engage with citizens and address their concerns. The tour aims to bring governance to the doorstep of ordinary citizens and provide them with a platform to interact with leaders. President Mahama and his ministers are expected to engage with residents in various communities during the tour.
President Mahama expressed concern about the need to strengthen mental healthcare services in the country. He announced plans to construct three additional psychiatric hospitals in the Ashanti, Northern, and Volta Regions. This move is expected to improve access to mental healthcare services and provide relief to patients and their families.
The government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare services are ongoing. The construction of new psychiatric hospitals and the encouragement of youth to pursue critical health professions are part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare delivery. The engagement with citizens and the accountability drive are also crucial aspects of the government’s efforts to address the needs of the people.
Key points
- President Mahama announces plans to construct three psychiatric hospitals in Ghana.
- President Mahama urges youth to pursue critical health professions.
- The US government expresses interest in dialogue with Ghana over the rejected health cooperation pact.
