The Mental Health Authority has announced plans to shut down a spiritual healing centre in Kumasi where more than 2,000 people with mental health conditions are reportedly being kept.
Chief Executive of the Mental Health Authority, Dr Eugene Kobla Dordoye, said the Authority was concerned about the conditions at the facility, including reports that some people with mental health conditions had been chained.
He said the centre’s licence to operate had expired, prompting the Authority to take steps to close it down.
“We wanted to close it down. He has a licence, but it has expired,” Dr Dordoye said.
According to him, some of the individuals at the facility believe they are receiving spiritual treatment from the centre’s leader.
He questioned how medical professionals could effectively intervene and provide appropriate care if people with mental health conditions remained restrained.
Dr Dordoye made the remarks at the 5th Graduation Ceremony of the Ghana Christian University College.
He also cautioned the public against prescribing or administering medication to people with mental health conditions without proper medical guidance.
He urged Ghanaians to seek appropriate professional care and avoid practices that could endanger the lives and wellbeing of people with mental health conditions.
The Mental Health Authority said the planned closure forms part of efforts to ensure that people receiving care at such facilities are treated in accordance with appropriate standards and safeguards.