Wholesome Mind Xperience begins refurbishment of Accra Psychiatric Hospital’s special ward into Ghana’s first PICU

The Wholesome Mind Xperience has begun the refurbishment of the Special Ward at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, marking the start of Ghana’s first-ever Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

The project, led by VINT & Aletheia Attorneys and Consultants, aims to transform the aging ward into a modern, safe, and restorative facility to enhance specialised mental health care.

At a brief ceremony to commence the reconstruction, partners, mental health advocates, donors, and stakeholders were taken through the scope of the redevelopment.

Speakers included representatives from the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Keen Developers, ARK Properties, KPMG, and the Wholesome Mind Xperience.

Lady-Ann Essuman, Managing Attorney at VINT & Aletheia, emphasised the urgency of the renovation, stating that the existing ward “no longer meets the standard required for dignified and effective mental healthcare.”

She stressed that the upgraded PICU would reflect the belief that quality mental health care is a fundamental human right.

Director of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Kwadwo Marfo Obeng, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step toward improving patient recovery and staff working conditions.

He highlighted the significance of the PICU as the first purpose-built psychiatric intensive care facility in the country.

KPMG Partner, Mrs. Joselyn Coleman, assured donors of strict financial oversight, transparency, and accountability throughout the project, while Keen Developers reaffirmed their commitment to building a safe and clinically sound environment for vulnerable patients.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic handing-over of the site to signal the start of construction.

The Wholesome Mind Xperience and its partners continue to call on individuals and organisations to support the ongoing fundraising efforts to complete this landmark mental health project.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith