title: A situation analysis of mental health services and legislation in Ghana: challenges for transformation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To conduct a situation analysis of the status of mental health care in Ghana and to propose options for scaling up the provision of mental health care.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey of the existing mental health system in Ghana was conducted using the WHO Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems. Documentary analysis was undertaken of mental health legislation, utilizing the WHO Legislation checklists. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with a broad range of mental health stakeholders (n=122) at the national, regional and district levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are shortfalls in the provision of mental health care including insufficient numbers of mental health professionals, aging infrastructure, widespread stigma, inadequate funding and an inequitable geographical distribution of services.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Community-based services need to be delivered in the primary care setting to provide accessible and humane mental health care. There is an urgent need for legislation reform, to improve mental health care delivery and protect human rights.
authors.affiliation: University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu, Ghana. angielam@4u.com.gh
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ofori-Atta
authors.forename: U M
authors.initials: UM
authors.lastname: Read
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lund
mesh_terms: D017144:Focus Groups; D005869:Ghana; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*