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.
