The Universal Friendship Organisation (UFO) a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) based in Accra has raised concern over the increasing number of mentally challenged persons on the streets and bus stops.
It warned that the situation could pose a threat to public safety and national security if urgent measures are not taken to address the phenonmenon.
The President of UFO, Mr Samuel Adobah, made the statement when a five-member delegation of the organisation paid a courtesy call on the Presidential Economic Adviser, Mr Seth Terkper, in Accra on Wednesday.
The organisation said the growing number of vulnerable persons without proper care, supervision, shelter and rehabilitation was becoming a matter of national concern and required a coordinated response from government and other stakeholders.
The meeting, which focused on some pressing national issues also discussed challenges in the transport sector and youth development.
Mr Adobah appealed to the government to urgently intervene in the mental health situation, saying observations by the organisation across various communities indicated a worrying increase in the number of persons with severe mental health conditions living on the streets.
He said some of the affected persons were living under deplorable conditions, with reports of public defecation, substance use and uncontrolled fires, which he said could endanger their lives as well as those of other members of the public.
“We are witnessing a tragedy unfold in real time. We have abandoned our most vulnerable citizens to the streets,” he said.
Mr Adobah said the situation should not be treated solely as a health issue, but as a national concern requiring collaboration among the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Mental Health Authority, psychiatric hospitals, National Security Secretariat and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
He called for measures to provide affected persons with appropriate medical care, temporary shelter and rehabilitation, as well as increased investment in community-based mental health services.
Responding, Mr Terkper commended the organisation for its sustained interest in national issues and its efforts to contribute to discussions on matters of public concern.
He said the government recognised the importance of such engagements and valued the concerns raised by the delegation, particularly those relating to the welfare and development of the Ghanaian people.
He assured the delegation that the issues presented would be carefully considered and that the appropriate government agencies would be engaged to explore possible measures to address them.
“I am happy about the UFO team and how national issues are your concern,” he said.
He said the government remained committed to youth development and was prepared to partner organisations working to promote national development.
“UFO has shown concern for national issues, and that is the kind of partnership government welcomes,” he added.
As part of the meeting, a citation to Mr Terkper in recognition of his participation in the second edition of the UFO Future of Work Conference and his contribution to national development
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