Ghana in 'huge crisis' over addiction care as specialist shortage worsens - Dr Owusu-Antwi

Dr. Ruth Owusu-Antwi, Acting Head of the Psychiatry Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), raised concerns on JoyNews' AM Show after the airing of Deadly Doses 2, warning that Ghana is facing a "huge crisis" due to a severe shortage of addiction specialists and treatment facilities. She stated that the country's limited mental healthcare workforce is further constrained by the small number of professionals with specialised training in addiction management.

The KATH psychiatrist commented on issues highlighted in the documentary by investigative journalist Nana Boakye Yiadom, stating that Ghana's shortage of psychiatrists is only part of the problem. She added, "Even more worrying is the number of psychiatrists we have in this country, and the number of psychiatrists who are sub-specialised in addiction management." Dr. Owusu-Antwi explained that addiction is a sub-speciality in psychiatry and mental health, requiring unique training and treatment strategies.