A mentally challenge person undertaking her activities in an area in Takoradi
Some residents in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis have expressed concern over the growing number of mentally challenged people who have infiltrated the city and freely roam some main streets on a regular basis.
Residents stated that mentally ill people have taken over public spaces such as markets, lorry parks, and schools, where they can be observed resting day and night.
Residents told DAILY GUIDE in separate interviews that the invasion of such people on the streets posed a menace to the people.
They highlighted an instance in August 2022 in Accra when a mentally challenged person stoned a young man to death at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
“This incident raises a lot of questions about mentally ill people on the streets and how dangerous they are to society,” other residents said.
They also stated that the increase of lunatics on the streets of Sekondi-Takoradi may have a negative impact on tourism in the region, as their presence may discourage tourists from visiting the metropolis in particular.
Madam Monica Eshun, who claimed to have lived in Takoradi for over 40 years, could not understand why so many lunatics have been walking the streets recently.
“”The scenario in Takoradi was not the same a few years ago. They are now numerous in the region, and their actions have become a nuisance to the residents. As a result, I am requesting that the city officials respond quickly,” she noted.
“What disgusts me the most are the female lunatics who roam the streets naked.” “Aside from littering the streets with all manner of garbage, these lunatics cross major roads haphazardly to the point where some run after vehicles,” she claimed.
STMA Response
The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) voiced worry over the situation and planned to refer individuals affected to Ankaful Hospital for medical assistance.
According to the Assembly’s Public Relations Officer, John Laste, the assembly plans to transfer those who can be traced back to their families to Akanful hospital for treatment in collaboration with the Metro Health Directorate and the Department of Social Welfare.
“We’ve also decided to get as many mentally challenged people off the street as possible through legal means,” he said.
Mrs. Owusu-Achiaw, a mental health nurse, has stated that care for mentally challenged individuals on the streets is everyone’s responsibility.
According to her, it is not only the responsibility of health providers, but also of society, urging all stakeholders to provide the necessary assistance to mental health facilities so that they can provide efficient services for the benefit of all.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi