The Psychiatrist Nurse for Dorimon Sub-District Health Services of the Wa West District, Mr Martin Dongyong, says persons who chain or handcuff their relatives who have mental health challenges can be sued because it is a crime under the mental health act.
According to him, the act is against the person's right to movement. Mr Dongyong speaking to Info Radio at the Dorimon Sub-District Health Service end-of-year review noted that chaining mental health patients only worsens their condition.
“It is torture when you chain people with mental health conditions. In the chaining process, they hurt themselves and are restricted from moving which is against the law.”
According to Ghana’s Mental Health Act, people with psychosocial disabilities “shall not be subjected to torture, cruelty, forced labour and any other inhuman treatment,” including shackling.
He lamented about the inadequate mental health officers, and lack of resources like funds and means of transport among others for their work.
Mr Dongyong dispelled widely held beliefs that mental health illness is caused by curses or evil spirits.