The President of the Republic, HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commissioned the state-of-the-art building for the Department of Psychiatry at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The building, named ‘The Melody’ is the latest facility, appropriately designed and built to provide mental health services in Ghana.
‘The Melody’ building has a waiting area, consulting rooms, offices, meeting and lecture rooms, a treatment room and a pharmacy, in a peaceful environment to enhance patient care.
The Minister of Health Mr. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu in his remarks at the ceremony said the ministry has made great strides in enhancing access to mental health treatments across the country.
He said the strengthening of Ghana’s mental health care system was made possible by the passage of the Mental Health Act, 2012 (Act 842), and paved the way for the establishment of the Mental Health Authority (MHA), with the aim of building a mental healthy Ghana where everyone has access to high quality mental health care.
“Access to mental health services varies widely and this issue needs to be addressed by strengthening community mental health services, ensuring an adequate supply of psychotropic drugs and other goods, as well as health manpower at all levels,” he added.
Hon. Agyeman-Manu urged everyone to be responsible in addressing the growing problem of poly-substance use, including cocaine, marijuana and the abuse of drugs such as tramadol.
He concluded by expressing his appreciation to the CEO of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. for the people of Ghana.
The Chief of Staff was present at the event. Hon Frema Opare, Minister of Education: Dr. Yaw Adutwum, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Chairman of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Board. Dr. David Nkansa-Dwamena The CEO Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah Dean of the School of Medicine: Prof. Alfred Yawson, Professor of the College of Health Sciences. Prof. Julius Fobil Our traditional leaders, heads of departments, staff and the department of psychiatry.