Ghana is facing a significant rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with mental health concerns—particularly depression—emerging as a critical issue. A recent national assessment, conducted by the Ghana Health Service using the World Health Organization’s Stepwise Approach, highlights the urgent need to tackle mental health alongside other NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer. The findings underscore the impact of demographic shifts and lifestyle changes, which are leading to increased rates of both mental and physical health issues that heavily strain individuals, families, and health systems.
Mental health affects around 1 in every 8 people of the global population ( https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders ) and some mental health conditions, specifically depression is projected to become the leading cause of disability worldwide by 2030 ( https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/eb130/b130_9-en.pdf ). In Ghana, depression and other mental health challenges disproportionately impact women and individuals with chronic physical health conditions, adding complexity to the health burden posed by NCDs. Despite the rising numbers, mental health services and support systems are often under-resourced, leaving many to struggle in silence.
Other NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer compound the burden. Hypertension, a major contributor to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, affects over 1.3 billion people globally and continues to grow as a silent threat in Ghana ( https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension ). Similarly, diabetes—often underdiagnosed—leads to severe complications without proper management. Meanwhile, cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the region ( https://www.afro.who.int/publications/who-afro-investment-case-series-accelerating-cervical-cancer-elimination-africa ), with late-stage diagnoses making it difficult to treat effectively.
At the launch of the Ghana STEPS Report 2023, Dr. Frank Lule, WHO Officer-In-Charge in Ghana, emphasized the critical role of data in designing targeted health interventions: “WHO will continue supporting Ghana to use data in designing targeted interventions. With NCDs causing 40% of global deaths, this STEPS report is essential for reducing Ghana’s NCD burden.” Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health for the Ghana Health Service, added, “Mental health and NCDs are a major concern but largely preventable. This report gives us insight into risk factors, affected groups, and paves the way for targeted interventions.”
For more details on mental health and NCDs in Ghana, access the full GhanaSTEPS Report 2023 ( https://files.aho.afro.who.int/afahobckpcontainer/production/files/Cervical_Cancer.pdf )
With collaborative efforts, Ghana can address the growing mental health and NCD challenges, building a healthier and more resilient society for future generations. WHOs Special Initiative for Mental Health, in Ghana , is already working closely with the Ghana Health Service and the Mental Health Authority to scale-up services for people living with mental, neurological and substance use conditions.
