Accra university students link frequent gaming to poor mental health

BasicNeeds Ghana donates GH₵700,000 equipment for mental health services

BasicNeeds Ghana has donated office equipment and furniture valued at GH₵700,000 to health facilities across 14 districts in six regions to bolster mental health services. The initiative, carried out in partnership with various stakeholders, is designed to enhance the quality of counseling environments for vulnerable populations. Specifically, the donation targets improved mental health support for pregnant women, adolescent girls, and mothers, with a particular focus on those living with HIV and tuberculosis. The donation presentation, held in Tamale, was attended by key healthcare officials, including the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service. The equipment is intended to create professional and private spaces where patients can receive sensitive psychological care. By equipping these facilities, BasicNeeds Ghana aims to bridge significant gaps in the provision of mental health care at the district level, where resources for non-clinical counseling are often limited. During the ceremony, officials emphasized that mental health remains a critical yet often under-resourced component of the national health agenda. The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service highlighted the importance of these donations in addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls in underserved communities. He also issued a call to the management of the beneficiary districts to ensure the equipment is properly maintained so that it can serve its intended purpose over the long term. This contribution is part of a broader effort by BasicNeeds Ghana to advocate for and support the integration of mental health services into general healthcare delivery. By focusing on 14 districts across six regions, the organization seeks to ensure that geographical location does not remain a barrier to accessing quality psychological support. The initiative underscores the ongoing collaboration between non-governmental organizations and the state to improve holistic healthcare outcomes for the country's most vulnerable citizens.