The Acting Director of Pantang Hospital, Dr. Maalug Yennusom, has called on President John Dramani Mahama and the government to prioritize the redesign and modernization of the facility, describing it as a critical step toward providing world-class psychiatric care in Ghana and beyond.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the hospital’s 50th anniversary on Friday August 29, Dr. Yennusom highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure redevelopment, improved staffing, and enhanced security to better serve the growing mental health demands of the nation.
“Pantang Hospital is one of only three psychiatric referral hospitals in the country. We serve not only Ghana but also receive patients from neighboring countries including Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin,” he said.
In addition to its core psychiatric services, the hospital also offers a wide range of general healthcare services at the primary care level to residents in the surrounding communities.
“We provide both inpatient and outpatient services for psychiatric and physical health needs.
Our services include occupational therapy, clinical psychology, addiction treatment and rehabilitation, as well as child and adult mental healthcare,” he stated.
He noted that the hospital also runs specialized units such as an eye clinic, dental clinic, diagnostic and pharmaceutical services, reproductive and child health care, public health, social work, and mortuary services.
Despite its expansive role in Ghana’s healthcare system, Pantang Hospital faces numerous challenges.
Dr. Yennusom lamented the poor state of infrastructure, including dilapidated buildings, encroachment on hospital lands, a lack of boundary walls, unsafe internal road networks, and inadequate access roads from Pantang Junction.
“After 50 years, we still lack the basic infrastructure needed to deliver our mandate effectively. The hospital started in a deteriorated state, and sadly, that remains largely unchanged,” he said.
Staffing remains another critical issue. The hospital is severely under-resourced, especially in terms of mental health nurses, many of whom emigrate in search of better opportunities.
There is also a pressing shortage of allied health professionals, including laboratory technicians, X-ray staff, security personnel, orderlies, and general support staff.
However, Dr. Yennusom acknowledged government efforts in addressing some of the challenges. He praised the commencement of a boundary wall project in 2020 to curb land encroachment, although only 30% of the wall has been completed to date.
“We appeal to the government to complete the wall and expedite the acquisition of portions of the hospital’s frontage, which are critical to our operations. These developments are essential for the safety and future expansion of the hospital,” he added.
The hospital has also benefited from contributions by individuals, corporate bodies, and religious organizations.
He made special mention of the Church of Pentecost, Hatcho Area, and Apostle William Wachajaco, who have supported renovation efforts, including painting parts of the hospital and pledging to re-roof the Medical Outpatient Department.
As part of its golden jubilee, Pantang Hospital has launched the “Facelift for Better Mental Health” initiative, which includes beautification efforts such as greening the compound and repainting buildings.
Management has reached out to various organizations for support in making this vision a reality.
Reflecting on the hospital’s journey, Dr. Yennusom said the 50th anniversary serves not only as a moment to honor the legacy of past leaders but also as an opportunity to reimagine the future.
“Some may ask what there is to celebrate after 50 years with so many challenges.
But this celebration is about acknowledging how far we’ve come, appreciating those who have shaped our story, and presenting a vision for where we hope to be.
Our theme says it all: Honouring Our Legacy and Shaping Our Future.”
He concluded by recognizing the contributions of all five former hospital directors and reaffirmed the commitment of the current leadership to transforming Pantang Hospital into a modern center of excellence for mental healthcare in Ghana and West Africa.
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