By Joseph Dwamena
One significant issue that the United Kingdom and other developed countries do not take lightly is mental health. In this area of the world, it is really very common to simply call your boss and inform him that you are experiencing a mental health issue. I promise that you will be given ample opportunity to take a vacation from work, and seek expert assistance as quickly as possible.
The World Health Organization defines mental health as a condition of mental well-being that allows people to manage life’s stressors, reach their full potential, study and work effectively, and give back to their communities.
Over the years, some of our superstars have struggled with mental health issues of various types, and we haven’t provided them with the best care during their rehabilitation. It’s also possible that we haven’t had a proper diagnosis to know how to best assist them.
Kwadee, Blaq Sam, others
Seeing people who formerly brought us joy via their crafts in extremely concerning circumstances is incredibly depressing. Okomfo Kwadee, whose real name is Jerry Anaaba, has been in the news for all the wrong reasons for the past month. Ghanaians were relieved when, around three years ago, on his birthday, despite being ill for some time, he came out clean and enjoyed himself with other celebrities.
However, this was short-lived when social media videos and images revealed a weak Kwadee. It was really depressing to watch the movies and images, and I wouldn’t even want my worst enemies to experience them. Once upon a time, this person produced hits, performed on major venues, and more.
Next up is Blaq Sam, whose real name is Alfred Sam, the ‘Esi ne Vera,’ hitmaker whose most recent photos, which are also shared on social media, are quite unsatisfactory. Since he is reportedly wandering the streets of Tema, his case is more serious than Okomfo Kwadee’s.
I have come across recommendations for other artists to step in and support these guys. Others have the opposite opinion, arguing that these artists’ mental health issues are their own fault.
For me, it’s very comforting to watch Kwadee perform his old classics verbatim. I firmly believe that he and others in such circumstances can recover, carry on with their lives, and perhaps even contribute more lovely tunes to our repertoire.
Effective rehabs
When I quickly looked up the number of rehabilitation centers in Ghana to write this essay, I was shocked to see that there were more than 20. Then, the subject of how successful these rehabilitation facilities are resurfaces.
There have been many disputes about how well these rehabilitation centers work to help their patients recover. It is thought that Ghana’s rehabilitation program exacerbates drug addicts’ problems by exposing them to solely phenytoin sodium, popularly called ‘blue-blue.’
This is a result of the facilities’ inability to provide the necessary medications to drug users who are prepared to undergo therapy. People with mental health disorders receive significant attention in developed countries like the United Kingdom.
A healthy mental state is necessary for a civilization to function. The costs of mental illness to people, society, and the health and social care system are enormous. Lost productivity can result from mental illness if proper care and support are not received.
All facets of a person’s life and relationships can be impacted by mental health issues and poor mental health, which frequently causes great suffering for people, families, and communities.
The problem, the solution
The Ghanaian mental health system, in my opinion, needs urgent improvement because it is underfunded.
Once more, the health and social care system lacks the qualified personnel necessary to treat and support individuals with mental illness. To deliver high-quality mental healthcare, additional personnel must be hired and trained.
The main issue is a lack of personnel, with too many openings and high turnover rates, as well as low recruitment and retention rates. The lack of the proper staff mix to deliver effective interdisciplinary treatment exacerbates the issue.
Additionally, our universities should prioritize mental health courses and make sure their graduates are well-equipped to assist with mental health concerns once they enter the workforce. The typical chew, pour, pass, and forget approach should be a thing of the past.
Many patients are receiving subpar care as a result of the strain on the mental health care system and the failure to ameliorate the social determinants of health.
The few specialists in mental health services, which are primarily found in secondary care, are finding it more and more difficult to see as many patients as they used to or to visit patients as frequently as they formerly could.
For our brother Okomfo Kwadee, Blaq Sam and others in a similar circumstance, I think there is yet hope. We cannot let them down as a country either; instead, we must figure out how to support them during this trying time. They provided entertainment for the entire country, and we can reciprocate by providing prompt assistance.
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