Eliasu Baba Yussif, Chief Executive Officer of BAHASS Foundation, operators of the BAHASS Mental Home, has raised serious concerns over the lack of mental health facilities in northern Ghana. The BAHASS Mental Home is currently the only facility of its kind serving both the north and middle belts of the country.
Yussif, a young philanthropist, footballer, and businessman, founded the facility in Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region, more than two years ago. Since its establishment, BAHASS Mental Home has cared for over 500 individuals with various mental health conditions and currently houses about 50 residents in a rented facility.
The home provides essential services, including residential care, meals, hygiene, and medical support. Its staff includes a medical doctor, two nursing officers, and four caretakers who attend to the daily needs of the residents.
Yussif originally planned to establish an orphanage but was moved to shift focus to mental health after witnessing the urgent need for such services in the north. He explained that mental illness is like any other disease and can affect anyone, yet the northern sector has been largely neglected.
Currently, Ghana has only three dedicated psychiatric institutions: Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Pantang Hospital, and Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital. All of them are located in the southern part of the country. This imbalance leaves many people in the north without access to specialized care.
BAHASS Mental Home operates primarily through Yussif’s personal funding, donations from well-wishers, and technical assistance from the Ghana Health Service. These resources help cover rent, medication, meals, and other essential needs.
In an effort to expand and secure a permanent base, the Foundation has started constructing its own facility. Yussif noted that they are committed to completing the new home so they can continue to offer dignified care to people with mental health conditions.
He expressed gratitude to all who have supported the Foundation so far and appealed to individuals, organizations, and the general public to contribute to the cause. According to him, mental health is everyone’s concern, and no one is immune. He stressed the need for collective action.
