Mental health experts, policymakers, educators, parents, and advocates have called for increased awareness, early diagnosis, and stronger support systems for persons living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Ghana.
The call was made at the Mental Health Forum 2026 held in Accra on Saturday, May 16, where speakers stressed the need to break stigma, improve mental healthcare delivery, and promote inclusion for individuals and families affected by neurodevelopmental conditions.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Adam Hafez Taher, Director for External Health Cooperation, described the forum as an important platform for deepening national conversations around mental health.
He commended the organizers, Premier Care, for sustaining the initiative and creating awareness on issues that are often misunderstood in society.
According to Dr. Taher, conditions such as ADHD and autism continue to be underdiagnosed in Ghana due to limited capacity and widespread stigma in many communities.
Dr. Adam Hafez Taher, Director for External Health Cooperation, Ministry of Health
“Mental health remains a critical component of overall health and well-being, yet conditions such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder continue to be misunderstood and underdiagnosed,” he stated.
He noted that the forum was important because it encourages understanding, promotes inclusion, and provides support for individuals and families living with such conditions.
Dr. Taher said the Ministry of Health recognizes the increasing need for mental health education, early intervention, and accessible support systems across the country.
He acknowledged the efforts of healthcare professionals, educators, caregivers, advocates, and organizations working tirelessly to improve mental health outcomes in Ghana.
The Director further highlighted several initiatives being undertaken by the government and its partners to strengthen mental healthcare delivery nationwide.
Among the interventions, he mentioned the implementation of the Mental Health Act, 2012 (Act 846), which provides a legal framework for protecting the rights of persons living with mental health conditions and promoting quality mental healthcare services in the country.
He also revealed that the Ministry has expanded community-based mental health services through the integration of mental healthcare into primary healthcare delivery across the country.
According to him, the move is aimed at improving access to early diagnosis, counselling, treatment, and psychosocial support.
Dr. Taher referenced the recent launch of a primary healthcare initiative at Dodowa, where mental health was prioritized as part of services to be strengthened at the community level.
“In addition, government continues to invest in mental health infrastructure and human resource capacity to improve service delivery nationwide,” he added.
He further disclosed that Ghana, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other development partners, has participated in initiatives focused on improving mental health awareness, reducing stigma, promoting human rights, and enhancing the quality of care for persons with special needs.
Founder of the Mental Health Forum, Jahara Osman, also shared her personal journey with ADHD and underscored the importance of awareness and understanding.
Ms. Osman revealed that she was diagnosed with ADHD about five years ago and decided to openly share her experience to encourage others facing similar challenges.
“I took it upon myself to share my story to allow people who have experienced what I have experienced to know that they are not alone,” she said.
Jahara Osman, Founder, Mental Health Forum
She described living with ADHD and autism as a lifelong journey and stressed that acceptance and understanding from society make life easier for affected persons.
According to her, the Mental Health Forum is not merely a discussion platform but a movement aimed at driving awareness, understanding, and inclusion.
She emphasized that awareness should extend beyond individuals diagnosed with autism and ADHD to include parents, teachers, and society as a whole.
“For parents who discover at a very young age that their children have autism, it is a journey nobody prepares you for,” she stated.
“There is no playbook on how to raise a child with autism, and many parents do not know where to turn for support.”
Ms. Osman stressed the need for special needs education and training to be made accessible to all teachers and parents rather than only special needs educators.
She said creating an inclusive and supportive environment for children with autism requires collective understanding and cooperation from families, schools, and communities.
“Mental health is not a luxury, and neurodiversity is not a weakness,” she emphasized.
“I actually consider it a superpower. Once you know how to use that superpower, you can channel it into something extraordinary because your brain works differently.”
She further explained that the mission of the Mental Health Forum is to create a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and educated while bridging gaps between healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, caregivers, and the public.
According to her, meaningful change can only happen through conversations that translate into action within homes, schools, healthcare systems, and communities.
Ms. Osman disclosed that in preparation for the forum, her team engaged autistic care centres, interviewed parents, and consulted policymakers on strategies to improve support systems for persons living with autism and ADHD.
She encouraged parents attending the forum to remain hopeful and assured them that they were not alone in their journey.
By 1960news.com
