Ghana’s Shift Towards Human Rights-Based Mental Healthcare

Ghana‘s Struggle to End Chaining for Mental Health Conditions

Introduction

In a recent report, Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlighted the ongoing practice of chaining people with mental health conditions in faith-based centers, also known as “prayer camps,” in Ghana. Despite a ban on shackling imposed by the government in 2017, the lack of enforcement mechanisms and inadequate resources have allowed this abusive practice to persist. HRW’s findings reveal the dire conditions in these prayer camps, where individuals with psychosocial disabilities are held against their will, deprived of their basic human rights, and subjected to inhumane treatment.

The Reality of Chained Lives

During their visit to prayer camps in Ghana‘s Eastern region, HRW documented 10 cases of individuals in chains, effectively subjected to indefinite detention and other forms of ill-treatment. The conditions in these camps were deplorable, with inadequate food, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of access to healthcare. In some instances, individuals were held in cramped stalls, while others were confined in small, windowless rooms. The deprivation of liberty, denial of freedom of movement, and the denial of basic human dignity were prevalent in these prayer camps.

Prayer camp staff justified the use of chains as part of their treatment practices, claiming that fasting and prayer were necessary for the “deliverance” of individuals with mental health conditions. However, these practices not only violated individuals’ rights but also failed to provide the necessary care and support for their well-being. Hunger and malnutrition were widespread issues, further exacerbating the already challenging circumstances faced by these individuals.

The Urgent Need for Government Intervention

The Ghanaian government bears responsibility for the perpetuation of this ongoing human rights violation. Although the 2012 Mental Health Act prohibits shackling and mandates the establishment of Visiting Committees and a Mental Health Tribunal to protect the rights of individuals with mental health conditions, progress in implementation has been slow. Only five out of 16 regions have established committees, and monitoring visits have been sporadic. The lack of funding and resources has been cited as a major obstacle, but it is essential for the government to prioritize the enforcement of the ban and allocate the necessary funds to ensure compliance.

Dr. Pinaman Appau, Chief Executive of the Ghanaian Mental Health Authority, acknowledged the need to strengthen the country’s mental healthcare system at the community level. However, without adequate funding and support, it will remain a challenge to address the abuses taking place in prayer camps. The government must prioritize mental health care investment and establish a levy as required by the 2012 Mental Health Act. This levy can serve as a crucial source of funding for mental health services and support for individuals with psychosocial disabilities.

Tackling Stigma and Cultivating Dignity

The prevalence of faith-based and traditional healers in Ghana stems from deeply ingrained beliefs in curses and witchcraft as causes of mental health conditions. As a result, families often seek out these alternative options due to limited access to formal mental health services. The government must invest in education and training programs to combat stigma and raise awareness about mental health within these communities. Traditional and faith-based healers should receive training on human rights and best practices for mental health care to ensure the well-being and dignity of individuals seeking their assistance.

Additionally, the government should allocate resources for the development of community-based mental health services to provide adequate support for housing, independent living, and job training. Providing a comprehensive support system encompasses not only the prevention of human rights abuses in prayer camps but also the promotion of inclusivity, empowerment, and integration of individuals with psychosocial disabilities into society.

A Call to Action

The report by Human Rights Watch serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the ongoing practice of chaining individuals with mental health conditions in Ghana‘s prayer camps. The government must take immediate and concrete steps to enforce the ban, allocate sufficient resources for monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and invest in community-based mental health services.

Stakeholders, including local non-governmental organizations and mental health advocacy groups, also play a crucial role in advocating for improved rights-based mental health services and monitoring of facilities. These organizations have actively engaged in raising awareness and providing training to traditional healers and the public on mental health issues. Their efforts should be commended and supported as they contribute to the wider societal transformation needed to end the stigma surrounding mental health.

In conclusion, Ghana must seize the opportunity to rectify the systemic failures that have allowed the chaining of individuals with mental health conditions to persist. By prioritizing mental health care as an essential component of human rights, Ghana can set an example for other nations facing similar challenges. The government’s actions must reflect a commitment to ensuring the dignity and well-being of all its citizens, regardless of their mental health status. It is time to put an end to the practice of chaining and usher in an era of comprehensive and rights-based mental health care in Ghana.

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