The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has appealed to the Ministry of Health to provide budgetary and infrastructural support for the expansion of the Presbyterian Psychiatric Hospital, Bolgatanga, to meet the growing demand for mental healthcare services in Northern Ghana.
Speaking at the 7th Development and Social Services (DSS) Consultation Forum at the Presbyterian Women’s Centre, Abokobi, the Moderator noted that the hospital’s existing infrastructure is under increasing pressure as more people seek mental health services.
He described the facility as the only standalone psychiatric hospital in Northern Ghana and stressed its critical role in providing specialised care for vulnerable persons across the northern sector of the country.
“We are making a passionate appeal to the Ministry of Health to provide targeted budgetary and structural support for the expansion of infrastructure at the Presbyterian Psychiatric Hospital so we can properly care for the many vulnerable clients seeking refuge and healing there,” he said.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye stated that expanding the facility would enhance access to quality mental healthcare, improve patient care, and strengthen support for families affected by mental health conditions.
The Moderator made the appeal while highlighting the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s longstanding contribution to healthcare delivery. He noted that the Church currently operates 61 health facilities across 13 regions of Ghana, employing more than 4,300 personnel and providing approximately 1,600 hospital beds.
He also acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Health and the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), including the provision of medical equipment to Presbyterian facilities under the Government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme.
While commending the Government for the Free Primary Healthcare Programme and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares), he emphasised that investment in mental health infrastructure remains essential to safeguarding human dignity and ensuring quality care for those in need.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye therefore called for stronger collaboration between the Church and the State to expand mental healthcare services and improve outcomes for patients across Northern Ghana. The appeal formed part of the Church’s ongoing commitment to promote holistic healing, human dignity, and accessible healthcare for all.
Among those present were the Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev. David Aboagye Danquah; the Chairperson of the Upper Presbytery, Rev. Roger Wegurih; the Director of Church Life and Nurture, Rev. Andrew Shadow; Directors of DSS from various Presbyteries; and heads of Presbyterian health and agricultural institutions.
By Rev. Immanuel Wiafe
