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At the Damak-IDP Sanitation Health Watch Community Heroes Excellence Awards, which were held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the SSNIT Conference Hall in Adum-Kumasi, the non-governmental organization (NGO) Willingway Foundation-Ghana which is headed by Mrs. Lydia Abena Manu has won the title of best Mental Health Care and Rehabilitation Center of the year 2023.
Following a vibrant event, Mrs. Lydia Abena Manu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), accepted the following citation: “Mrs. Lydia Manu is an Addiction Specialist and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Willingway Recovery Centre in the Ashanti Region. For your sustained Commitment in facilitating a Private Mental Health Treatment Facility to provide Excellent services in saving lives, we, Damak- International Directhelp Projects (IDP), have observed your significant achievements as a milestone. Based on your contribution to humanity, we award you as THE BEST MENTAL HEALTH CARE AND REHABILITATION CENTRE OF THE YEAR”.
The citation was jointly signed by Mr. Daniel Mbabugri Akgri, Director of Damak-Ghana, and Mr. Pierre P. Petitjean from the International Directhelp Projects (IDP), Switzerland.
Speaking to the media after the awards night, Mrs. Lydia Manu was excited for the recognition by the organisation. She said, ”It’s my passion to help those with mental challenges, especially children and women, in the society.”
She continued by saying that the charity had been giving medical attention and housing to mentally ill people removed from the streets of Greater Kumasi in the Ashanti Region for many years, including those who are brought in by family members from all over the nation.
The CEO took the opportunity to make a plea to all Ghanaians, particularly parents and guardians, asking them to provide their kids with proper care so they don’t become drug addicts or engage in any other activities that could lead to mental health problems in the future. She also demanded that the government increase funding for mental health services.
An NGO with its headquarters in Ghana, Willingway Foundation-Ghana was established in 2011 as a treatment facility for drug addicts and mentally ill people.
The foundation’s primary goal is to provide high-quality mental health services, including treatment and rehabilitation, so that patients can live independent and fruitful lives.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Willingway Foundation-Ghana acknowledge that drug and substance misuse, as well as mental health issues, are illnesses that can be successfully treated for the benefit of the individual, their communities, and Ghana as a whole.
According to the CEO, the Ashanti Region is currently home to their main drug rehabilitation, mental health assistance, and counseling center.
“However, our aim is to provide the most cost-effective and impactful nationwide support system of quality care for drug users, drug addicts, and the mentally-challenged as a complement to the national effort. We appreciate any support and assistance you can provide to make our mission successful,” Mrs. Lydia Manu stated.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
