The Accra Psychiatric Hospital has launched a series of satellite clinics in the Korle Klottey Municipality in a bold step to bring addiction treatment closer to communities grappling with rising substance abuse.
The initiative, rolled out in partnership with the Korle Klottey Municipal Health Directorate, is part of a broader strategy to decentralise mental health services and curb the growing tide of drug addiction, particularly among Ghana’s youth.
Speaking on the sidelines of a week-long substance use screening campaign in Accra, Dr Kwadwo Marfo Obeng, Medical Director at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, said the decision followed consultations with local leaders who expressed concern that many residents do not seek help until they are critically ill.
“We asked the community what they needed, and the message was clear: people need care before it’s too late,” Dr Obeng explained. “When care is only available in hospitals, many never go until it’s almost too late. By bringing services into the community, we can walk with people on their journey to recovery. This isn’t a one-off effort – we intend to keep it going.”
Substance abuse is emerging as a major public health concern in Ghana, with authorities warning that the trend is eroding productivity and fuelling social and health problems, especially among young people.
Dr Linda Baafi, Municipal Director of Health Services for Korle Klottey, highlighted the particular challenges urban settings pose. “In cities like ours, the rate of substance abuse is high. We need more partners on board to expand outreach and ensure we can reach more people who are struggling.”
Health officials are urging a nationwide collaborative effort to support similar outreach models, believing community-based care is key to reversing the rising addiction trend.
The clinics, which will offer regular counselling and screening, aim to provide continuous, accessible support, breaking the barriers that often prevent people from seeking help early.
