By Dorcas Mensah
Mental Health Review Tribunal and Visiting Committees have been inaugurated by the Mental Health Authority (MHA) in Accra.
The Mental Health Review Tribunal is expected to uphold the rights of people with mental health conditions receiving mental health care.
The Visiting Committees will visit mental health facilities, prayer camps and healing centers for regular inspections on the treatment of people with mental health conditions seeking help there.
According to the Mental Health Act 2012 (Act 846), the Board of the Authority is mandated to set up the two bodies, which are expected reduce the incidence of abuse and discrimination against people with mental health conditions.
Reflecting on this positive step, Chief Executive Officer of the MHA, Professor Akwasi Osei said, “Better late than never; though the mental health review tribunal and the visiting committees are late in coming, they are much welcome to put smiles in the faces of persons whose rights would otherwise have continued to be abused.”
Ghana Somubi Dwumadie has provided technical support to the MHA to help in establishing the Mental Health Review Tribunal and Visiting Committees.
Ghana Somubi Dwumadie (Ghana Participation Programme) is a four-year disability programme in Ghana, with a specific focus on mental health. This programme is funded with UK aid from the UK government.
Training of both the tribunal and the visiting committee is scheduled in a few weeks to enhance their functioning.
The government and the general public are expected to provide support to the important work of both committees.
SOURCE: Ghana Somubi Dwumadie