Ghana Alliance for Mental Health and Development seeks 5% employment quota

The Ghana Alliance for Mental Health and Development has officially proposed a 5% employment quota within local government structures for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and individuals living with mental health conditions. Making the call during the World Mental Health Day celebrations, the Alliance highlighted the urgent need for structural reforms to foster social inclusion and economic independence for vulnerable groups. The proposal aims to ensure that public institutions lead by example in creating accessible and equitable job opportunities across the country.

Beyond employment mandates, the Alliance is urging the government to fully operationalize the Mental Health Fund. Although the fund was established by law to provide sustainable financing for mental health services, the group notes that its full potential has yet to be realized, hampering the delivery of essential care. They are calling for dedicated resource allocation to improve facility infrastructure and medication supply, while demanding greater transparency in how disability-related funds are managed and spent at the local level.

The group also emphasized the role of community and media engagement in dismantling the persistent stigma surrounding mental health. By empowering individuals with lived experiences to share their stories and advocate for their rights, the Alliance believes Ghana can move toward a more inclusive society. These demands represent a broader push for the government to move beyond policy rhetoric and implement practical measures that guarantee the dignity and rights of all citizens, regardless of their mental or physical health status.