Pantang Mental Hospital to Receive Major Face-Lift – Deputy Chief of Staff
The Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has announced that government will remodel Pantang Hospital into a modern facility as part of efforts to strengthen mental healthcare delivery in Ghana.
Speaking at the launch of the hospital’s 50th Anniversary in Accra on Friday, August 29, 2025, she said, “I am honoured to be here to commemorate and celebrate with you 50 years of selfless, patriotic, and dedicated service to the most vulnerable and stigmatized members of our society. This golden jubilee is not only a time to celebrate, but also a moment to reflect, to show gratitude, and to renew our collective commitment to quality healthcare delivery in Ghana.”
She stressed that mental health “remains an absolute necessity in every society,” adding, “The role of mental health institutions such as Pantang, which is among the three major psychiatric hospitals in Ghana, cannot be underestimated.”
Madam Bampoe Addo paid tribute to pioneers of the sector, including Professor Asare, Prof. Akwesi Osei and Prof. Pinaman Appau, noting,“Together we worked on mental health in prayer camps, and Professor Asare has been with us since the times of President Jerry John Rawlings. I am happy he continues to dedicate his retirement to mental health in Ghana.”
She revealed that under President John Dramani Mahama, government is mainstreaming mental health into primary healthcare.
“Our dream is that in the near future, patients can walk into a CHPS compound and receive mental health care services,” she said.
She added that the National Health Insurance Authority and the Mental Health Authority are working to integrate services while introducing innovations like hotlines and e-counselling.
“This will allow Ghanaians to seek professional help confidentially at the district level and help reduce stigma,” she explained.
Highlighting broader health sector investments, stating,“Over the past three months, government has committed over GH¢2 billion to healthcare infrastructure between now and 2028.”
She cited Agenda 111 hospitals, a new training facility at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and upgrades at Korle Bu as key projects. She also pointed to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Mahama Cares, as a major intervention.
“This dedicated fund will relieve families of the crushing financial burden of chronic conditions such as cancer, stroke, kidney failure and diabetes,” she emphasized.
On Pantang’s prospects, she said, “Pantang Hospital remains an institution of great potential. With proper investment, it can be transformed into a modern centre of excellence in mental health care.”
She acknowledged the contribution of the Madina MP, Francis-Xavier Sosu, who pledged GH¢100,000 towards the hospital’s facelift, and urged stakeholders to recommit to building “a stronger Pantang Hospital, one that honours its legacy while shaping the next 50 years of mental health care in Ghana.”
Parliament Reaffirms Commitment
Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in a message delivered on his behalf, pledged Parliament’s support for stronger budgetary backing.
“Parliament will use its oversight mandate to demand better financial support for mental health in the country,” he assured.
Mr. Bagbin described Pantang Hospital as a national asset envisioned by Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, but noted challenges since the 1966 coup. He revealed that in the last three years alone, Pantang attended to 62,847 psychiatric cases, 117,756 outpatients, and 2,476 inpatients, while rescuing 61 mentally ill persons through it’s Set the Captives Free project.
“These achievements are a testament to the dedication and commitment of the hospital’s staff and professionals,” he said.
He warned, however, that persistent challenges such as funding gaps, staff shortages, infrastructure deficits, land encroachment, and stigma must be addressed.
“One of the best ways to accelerate the development of Pantang Hospital is to strengthen the Mental Health Fund to ensure regular and adequate financing,” he stressed.
Mental Health Authority: Tele-Psychiatry on the Way
The Acting CEO of the Mental Health Authority, Dr. Eugene Kobla Dordoye, announced plans to roll out tele-psychiatry.
“Among all tele-health services, tele-psychiatry works best. A senior specialist can see the patient via video with a younger doctor and provide guidance. Because psychiatry rarely requires physical examination, tele-psychiatry fits perfectly. No Ghanaian should be too far from care,” he explained.
He appealed for the Mental Health Fund, created in 2012, to be made functional.
“Thirteen years on, we are yet to see the fund. We need what I call vitamin M — money, to provide mental health care,” he said.
Pantang at 50
Acting Medical Director of Pantang Hospital, Dr. Maalug Yennusom, disclosed that in the last three years, the Hospital has provided services to over 62,247 psychiatric patients and 117,756 general medical cases.
“The government began constructing a wall around the hospital in 2020, but it is only about 30 percent complete. We call on authorities to help us finish it to enhance security,” he appealed.
He announced that the anniversary will feature year-long activities, including health walks, public lectures, exhibitions, and a fundraising dinner in August 2026.
Madina MP Donates GH¢100,000
Madina MP, Francis-Xavier Sosu, pledged GH¢100,000 to support the facelift.
“As a small but important step towards improving safety and security across the facility, my office has already donated 50 street lights this week. Today, I am committing GH¢100,000 as seed money to the hospital’s fundraising efforts,” he said.
He also urged greater national attention to mental health.
“We all look healthy, but a lot of us are not really okay. A lot of mad people are in town. We pray that we’ll pay attention to our mental health,” he cautioned.
History of Pantang Hospital
A Legacy of Service Founded in 1975 as a 500-bed Pan-African neuropsychiatric facility, Pantang Hospital remains a key referral centre in West Africa despite years of neglect and challenges.
It continues to provide psychiatric care, rehabilitation, and medical services while training mental health professionals.
The 50th Anniversary is being celebrated under the theme: “Honoring Our Legacy, Shaping Our Future.”
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsgahana.com
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