In Ghana there are no strong national policies on alcohol or tobacco consumption; consequently, their advertising, distribution and sale are largely uncontrolled. Mental health issues often come last on the list of priorities for policy makers and hence mental illnesses receive very little attention from the government. Health in general is still a poorly funded area of social services in most African countries and, compared to other areas of health, mental health services are poorly developed.

Alcohol, tobacco and drug related problems are becoming an increasing concern in Ghana. Many of the countries in Africa are used as transit points for illicit drug trade and these drugs are finding their way into local populations, adding to the indigenous problems associated with cannabis consumption. There is also an increased demand for home-brewed beer or locally distilled liquor.

The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted two resolutions to improve mental health services and each country was expected to formulate mental health policies, programs and action plans. A survey conducted to see if the countries that had adopted these resolutions had done anything to implement them. Despite some modest achievements, the situation of mental health programs, policies and action plan in Ghana was found to be unsatisfactory. Evidence shows that a large proportion of the global health burden is due to mental disorders, and this proportion is projected to rise in many African countries. Patients suffering from many different mental health issues, such as psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, dementia and other mental related issues are becoming a problem in Ghana lately.

Duties and Qualifications of volunteer interns;

The duties include but not limited to the following, you will be shadowing the professionals in charge at the psychiatric hospital and you will be working in a wide scope of settings and duties ranging from taking patients' medical histories, conducting physical and psychological assessment, create treatment plans, manage ongoing care, Individual counseling, Psycho-therapy, providing harm reduction psychotherapy, administering performance, aptitude, intelligence or personality tests, work in the outpatient departments, provide services in prisons and many other duties that will be assigned time to time.
You should be compassionate, patient, have a positive attitude and be enthusiastic.

Can I use this program as part of a college or university placement? 

It is certainly possible to use one of OGVO’s programs as part of your university or college placement. Project staff can sign off any paperwork required by your course tutors. OGVO regularly receives medical, childcare, psychology and nursing placement students at our projects across Ghana and we have ties with some of the leading universities.

If you’re a course tutor and would like further information about how one of OGVO’s programs could meet the placement requirements for your degree course then please contact us directly.