Freedom Aid Ghana (F.A.G.), a non-governmental organization based in Ghana, has been committed to promoting community health since its founding in 2009. Established by Mr. Bright Adoboe after noticing a troubling rise in mortality rates in his village, Ve Deme, in the Volta Region, F.A.G. was created with the vision of giving back to society and supporting those in need. Over the years, the organization has been deeply involved in reconstructing and renovating vulnerable communities in Ghana, alongside implementing community health and human development programs aimed at empowering individuals and helping them discover their purpose. This article focuses on one of these efforts: a significant reconstruction and renovation project at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital in 2019.
In its ongoing mission to improve mental health care and promote holistic well-being across Ghana, F.A.G. partnered with the Australian High Commission to upgrade and enhance services at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital. A key initiative led by F.A.G. was the reconstruction of the female acute ward’s washroom facilities, a project that greatly improved hygiene and living conditions for both patients and caregivers. The female acute ward, which has a 30-bed capacity and was housing 17 patients at the time, had not undergone significant renovations since 1975.
The Australian High Commissioner, Mr. Andrews Burns, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This and many other impactful projects were made possible through the partnership between Freedom Aid Ghana, the Mental Well-being Foundation Ghana, and with crucial support from the taxpayers of Australia. In addition to this project, we also reconstructed a new mental health center in Ningo-Prampram, expanding access to specialized care outside of the capital.”
Mr. Julius Kusalisu, Deputy Director of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, underscored the institution’s ongoing challenges, particularly in terms of insufficient funding. He publicly appealed for assistance in rebuilding the hospital’s central drug store, which suffers from significant leaks and cracks, compromising the safety and storage of essential medications during rainfall.
Progress on mental health policy in Ghana has also made notable strides. Advocates, including international partners such as the Australian High Commissioner, expressed optimism regarding the recent passage of the Legislative Instrument (LI) on Mental Health. This legislation is expected to strengthen the implementation of the Mental Health Act of 2012 and solidify the positive developments made in recent years.
For over 17 years, Freedom Aid Ghana has been at the forefront of community health initiatives, offering free health screenings, education, and infrastructural development to underserved populations. Beyond health, the organization also invests in human empowerment programs, helping individuals discover their life purpose and enhance their overall quality of life.
As Ghana continues to face structural challenges in mental health care, Freedom Aid Ghana, in collaboration with its partners, remains dedicated to supporting those in need and improving the well-being of individuals across the country and the wider African continent.
References.
Freedom Aid Ghana (FAG), Mental Health Initiatives and Infrastructure Improvements in Ghana. Accra Psychiatric Hospital, 2019
GBC News, 2019.
Written by: Gillian Ama Antwi,
Administrator, Freedom Aid Ghana
Founder: Mr. Bright Adoboe,
Freedom Aid Ghana.