The Acting Head of the Psychiatry Unit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Ruth Owusu-Antwi, has warned that Ghana is facing a serious addiction treatment crisis due to a shortage of addiction specialists and rehabilitation centres.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show after the airing of Deadly Doses 2, Dr. Owusu-Antwi said the country’s limited number of psychiatrists is compounded by the even smaller number trained in addiction management.
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She explained that addiction treatment requires specialized skills, yet only a few psychiatrists, mental health nurses, psychologists, social workers, and therapists have advanced training in the field.
Dr. Owusu-Antwi also highlighted the lack of rehabilitation facilities, noting that many patients diagnosed with substance use disorders have nowhere to receive proper treatment and recovery support.
She called for increased investment in specialist training and the expansion of rehabilitation centres to strengthen Ghana’s response to the growing challenge of substance abuse.
