The Mental Health Authority’s (MHA) attention has been drawn to a publication on Ghanaweb, Osimpamfm, originally published by a Starrfm reporter on their online portal of purported plans by the good people of Mankessim to set ablaze persons with severe mental illness (PWSMI) in the Mankessim Municipality.
This, we see as a desperate attempt to stop the ‘nuisance’ purportedly caused by the PWSMI in the market places who they claim have been burgling their wares at night when they have left the markets.
The MHA believes there are better ways of resolving such incidents than calling for the death of these very vulnerable persons.
In the wake of these circumstances, the Authority will want to plead with the citizens of Mankessim and its environs to exercise restraint and rather link up with the Municipal or District Chief Executives of their respective areas for an acceptable solution within the confines of the law and with regards to human rights.
That having been said, the MHA is earnestly working to liaise with the Municipal/District authorities and the Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital to gradually take these persons from the streets and market places in Mankessim for treatment and rehabilitation.
This, we know will be a more sustainable intervention that should protect lives of these PWSMI as well as the properties of citizens in the Mankessim area.
We therefore plead with the people of Mankessim and all to exercise restraint in these matters while calling on government to as a matter of urgency, institute the Mental health levy to help deal with these issues holistically.
Source|osimpamfm.com|Richard Owusu Tawiah
