VINT & Aletheia Attorneys and Consultants, a law firm, has begun to refurbish the Special Ward of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital to convert it into the first Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Ghana.
The project aims to transform the ageing ward, established in 1906, into a facility that meets the requirements of modern psychiatric care.
A ceremony on the hospital's premises last Monday, signalled the official start of construction named the "Wholesome Mind Xperience" initiative.
The construction firm, KEEN Developers, began the first phase, which covers the refurbishment of the male washrooms and one of the dormitories.
The entire project is estimated to cost GH¢4 million, and the team has secured 10 per cent of the amount.
The team intends to advance the remaining phases as donations come in.
Rationale
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Managing Attorney of VINT & Aletheia Attorneys and Consultants, Lady-Ann Essuman, explained that the ward no longer met the standard required for dignified and effective mental health care.
"This special ward will be rebuilt into a modern, compassionate and restorative space — one that reflects our belief that quality mental health care is a fundamental human right," she said.
The firm urged the public and corporate bodies to support the ongoing fundraising efforts as work advanced on the initiative.
