The International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) has admonished heads of churches to encourage persons with mental disorders to seek medical help and not rely solely on prayers.
ICGC has observed the continuous practice where some churches camp and tie persons with mental disorders on trees with the conviction only prayers could cure their predicament.
“Some health conditions like mental disorders require the attention of medical experts. Prayer is good but it should serve as an addition but not the main method of treatment”, Pastor Slyvanus Sowah Odotei, Ashanti Regional Overseer of ICGC noted.
He made the remarks at an ICGC’s annual Life Walk dedicated to support Mental Health care delivery in Ghana.
The 12km Walk was joined by the Psychiatric Association of Ghana begun from the
ICGC Trinity Temple at Edwenase to Police Depot at Patasi then to Santasi Roundabout to Christian Service University College and back to ICGC Trinity Temple premises.
President of the Psychiatric Association of Ghana, Dr Ruth Owusu Antwi Dr. Ruth Owusu-Antwi gave a talk on improving tje country’s mental health.
She is optimistic stigma attached to mental disorder would be minimized if not eliminated should churches and other religious bodies join in raising awareness about mental health.
“People should not be ashamed for battling mental disorder. They should rather be encouraged to walk freely in psychiatric institutions to seek help”
The Walk for Life by the ICGC is held across the country and used to raise awareness about mental health and demystify it.