BasicNeeds-Ghana (BNGh), in partnership with the World Health Organization in Ghana (WHO),
implemented a three-month community-based mental health and psychosocial support
services (MHPSS) project titled “Provision of Emergency Mental Health and Psychosocial
Support Services (MHPSS) to Individuals and Families in the Volta Lower Basin Displaced by
Floods” with funding support from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth, and
Development Office (FCDO).
The overall goal of the project was to promote MHPSS and improve the well-being of
vulnerable individuals affected by the September 2023 Akosombo Dam spillage in the Volta
Region. The project activities were implemented from July 2024 to October 2024 and targeted
7 communities across 3 of the most affected districts: North Tongu (Mepe, Battor, and
Juapong), South Tongu (Adutor and Agorta/Gamenu), and Central Tongu (Adidome and Dove).
Under this project, BasicNeeds-Ghana worked closely with key stakeholders in the 3 districts,
including officers from the Ghana Health Service, the Department of Social Welfare, community
volunteers, traditional leaders, and people with mental health conditions and their caregivers.
This collaboration enhanced strong partnerships for the sustainability of the project outcomes.
The project impacted 389 beneficiaries (241 females and 148 males), including 210 people with
mental health conditions, 137 caregivers, and 42 secondary beneficiaries such as volunteers
and health workers. Through the project, people with mental health conditions and their
caregivers now benefit from peer support through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) established across
the 7 communities.
Sensitization and capacity-building training sessions were organized for beneficiaries, including
SHG leaders, members, and community volunteers. These efforts enhanced coping strategies
through peer mentoring, improved treatment adherence, and increased social participation,
thus improving mental health and psychosocial well-being. “I feel there is hope for us. I used to
feel all alone because I didn’t know there were so many others with mental health conditions
in this community. It’s been a wonderful experience meeting others, sharing my experiences
with like-minded people, and learning from the experiences of fellow group members,” said
Azilah Mary, a member of the Dekaworwor SHG in Adutor, during a monitoring visit.
The project significantly increased stakeholder attention and prioritization of mental health
issues within the 3 districts and the communities where it was implemented. For the first time,
individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions received support through
government social protection initiatives, including the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
and the 3% Disability Common Fund. In the South Tongu District, 152 Self-Help Group members
were assisted in renewing and registering for the NHIS. Additionally, 8 people with lived experience of mental health conditions received support under the 3% District Assembly Disability Common Fund in the Central Tongu District to engage in economic activities.
“I am impressed by the initiative to promote community mental health here. Issues related to
mental health and psychosocial challenges are increasing, particularly with new faces of
homeless individuals with severe mental health conditions seen on our streets since the
flooding incident. Awareness about mental health and psychosocial issues is generally low, so
it is inspiring to see BasicNeeds and its partners undertaking initiatives to promote mental
well-being in the communities of the Volta Region. The selected communities are also well
chosen,” said Mr. Thomas Moore Zonyrah, the District Chief Executive Officer for Central
Tongu, during a briefing meeting.
The project has significantly contributed to increasing mental health awareness, health-seeking
behaviours by people with mental health conditions and caregivers, treatment compliance and
improved mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS) and well-being of persons
with mental health conditions through their engagement in peer support group activities.
The project has also ignited the interest of district and community stakeholders and duty
bearers, including directors of health services, district assembly officials, and traditional and
other community leaders towards prioritizing mental health in the North Tongu, South Tongu,
and Central Tongu Districts.
Credit: Dominic Wunigura
Programme Coordinator
BasicNeeds Ghana- Accra Office
