Psychiatrist Raises Alarm Over Rising Mental Health Cases in Ghana

A psychiatrist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Ruth Owusu-Antwi, has expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among Ghanaians.

Dr. Owusu-Antwi, who previously headed KATH’s Psychiatric Unit, noted that mental health cases have been on the rise over the past five years, with a significant surge during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In just the past year alone, KATH recorded approximately 12,000 mental health cases. The numbers have consistently increased, and COVID-19 had a major impact on people’s mental well-being,” she revealed in an interview with JoyNews.

Despite the alarming trend, she acknowledged that the pandemic also played a role in raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.

“During COVID, everyone experienced some form of psychological distress. It made mental health a more open discussion and helped reduce stigmatization,” she explained.

However, Dr. Owusu-Antwi questioned whether the rise in cases was due to more people developing mental health conditions or simply an increase in awareness.

“The question remains—are more people actually suffering from mental health conditions, or has awareness just made it more recognizable? It’s difficult to tell because the conversations around mental health have increased significantly,” she noted.

She advised individuals to watch for noticeable changes in behavior as a sign of mental distress.

“The easiest way to identify a mental health concern is through change. If you were once outgoing and suddenly withdraw from people, or if you were reserved but suddenly become overly expressive, that shift could indicate a mental health issue. The key word is ‘change,’” she emphasized.

Supporting this perspective, pathologist Prof. Osei Sampene underscored the importance of seeking professional help when experiencing unusual behavioral changes.

“In some cases, introverted individuals may become even more withdrawn, making it difficult to recognize the issue. The most concerning part is that some people don’t realize they’re struggling because their reactions to simple situations may seem normal to them but appear unusual to others. Seeking help when such changes occur is crucial,” he advised.

Both experts stressed the need for a dedicated mental health facility in the Ashanti Region to provide better care for individuals in the northern parts of Ghana.