The Kintampo Project is training a new generation of mental health workers unique to Ghana. This workforce will shift focus away from large psychiatric hospitals, decongesting the system and moving care into the community where it is most needed.

We have developed two new types of mental health worker – The Medical Assistant Psychiatry (MAP) and the Community Mental Health Officer (CMHO) – and we have begun training them at the Kintampo Rural Health Training School (KRHTS).

UK expertise is being used to develop the training programmes, as well as to ‘educate the educators’ in the latest, evidence-based teaching methods. Our curricula are predominantly practical, with field placements at hospitals and in the community. We have recruited a network of preceptors (community educators) throughout Ghana to oversee students whilst at their placements – to help capture learning and to act as mentors and facilitators.

Map of Ghana showing the different regions. Aside from three hospitals on the coast, mental health services are almost non-existant. Inset: Regional map of the Brong Ahafo region, showing how the Kintampo Project aims to put mental health workers in each of Ghana's 170 districts.

Many programmes such as this have come and gone in the past, so a real focus for the Kintampo Project is on sustainability. It is essential that the education and development of community mental health workers in Ghana continues into the future. By training workers with locally relevant qualifications, and offering real career progression and opportunities for continuing professional development, we will make sure an excellent mental health workforce is here to stay.