The University of Ghana Association of Psychology Students (UNIGAPS) and Clean GH have generously donated various essential items to Pantang Mental Health Hospital.
The donation, which took place on Saturday, June 15, 2024, included items such as bags of sachets and bottled water, bags of rice, toiletries, clothes, footwear, drinks and more.
Founder of Clean GH and a lecturer in the University of Ghana’s Psychology Department, Dr. Johnny Andoh-Arthur explained that the initiative was aimed at instilling a habit of giving among students and to provide much-needed support to the often-overlooked mental health facility.
“The mental health sector has generally been neglected. The Ministry of Health’s budget for mental health is just 1.5% of the total budget of the ministry. There are many challenges they are facing, and we can’t leave it all to the government. As individuals, we also need to support. One way to raise awareness and support for mental health facilities is by encouraging students to donate. In the future, when they have more resources, they will do even more,” he said.
Dr. Andoh-Arthur also encouraged the general public to support mental health facilities in any way possible, noting that mental health issues can affect anyone.
“Everyone is vulnerable to mental health disorders, and you don’t know when you might need these services. We all should support because, when we become victims of such conditions, the facilities will need medical equipment. If they don’t have them, it affects recovery,” he added.
Senior Nursing Officer at Pantang Hospital, Mr. John Eshun, expressed his gratitude for the donation and called for continued support from the public.
Students who attended the donation had the opportunity to engage with some of the patients at the facility, participating in various games such as cards, checkers, table tennis, and ludo. Additionally, they interacted with health professionals to learn about common diseases treated at the hospital and the risks involved in working in such conditions.
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Story by: Collins Frimpong | univers.ug.edu.gh
