New Mental Health Facility Opens in Winneba, Ghana

New Mental Health Facility Boosts Care at Ghana’s Winneba Hospital, Thanks to LDS Church Donation

The Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Ghana’s Central Region recently marked a milestone with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art mental health facility. The new building, officially handed over on December 12, 2024, was generously donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Alongside the facility, the Church provided crucial medical equipment, including hospital beds, office furniture, a medical refrigerator, vital sign monitors, and other essentials, enhancing the hospital’s ability to deliver mental health services.

For years, the hospital operated with limited resources in a small space allocated for mental health care. As the population in Winneba grew, so did the demand for services, quickly outstripping the capabilities of the original facility. The clinic’s ability to provide care for behavioral disorders, substance abuse, psychosis, dementia, depression, developmental disabilities, and more became increasingly strained. Recognizing the urgent need, the hospital sought assistance from the Church, which responded by constructing the new dedicated mental health center and equipping it with tools necessary for both treatment and administrative functions.

A Celebration of Partnership

Elder Isaac K. Morrison, second counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency of the Church, led the inauguration ceremony. His remarks underscored the Church’s dedication to improving lives through meaningful contributions.

“As we gather here today, we are not just inaugurating a new facility,” he said. “We are bearing witness to the Saviour’s love and concern for the mental and emotional well-being of His children. This psychiatry unit is a tangible representation of the Church’s commitment to exemplify the Saviour’s love and to provide hope, comfort, and healing for those who are struggling.”

The donation was met with heartfelt gratitude. The Regional Director of Health Services, speaking on behalf of the Ghana Health Services and the Ministry of Health, expressed deep appreciation for the Church’s generosity.

“On behalf of the Director General of the Ghana Health Services, the Regional Health Director, and the Minister Health Directorates, we say a very big thank you to the Latter-day Saints Church … This is more than humane; this is also godly,” she said.

She pledged to maintain the facility’s condition and expressed optimism about building a lasting partnership with the Church.

A Vital Resource for the Community

The Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital, a government-run facility, serves as a referral center for health services across the region. With the addition of this mental health facility, the hospital strengthens its role as a cornerstone of mental health care in the area, ensuring better access and resources for patients in need.

This collaboration between the Church and the hospital not only addresses the immediate needs of the community but also sets the stage for a broader conversation about the importance of mental health care in Ghana. The new facility is a testament to the power of partnership and the shared commitment to improving lives through compassionate action.