The Library of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC) has refurbished washroom facilities at the Male Observation Ward of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital as part of activities marking its maiden Library Week celebration.
The project, undertaken in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on Good Health and Well-being, involved the renovation of two washroom facilities, installation of hand-washing basins, as well as floor and wall tiling, aimed at improving sanitation at the ward.
Presenting the project, the University Librarian, Lydia Nyantakyi-Baah, said the initiative reflected the library’s commitment to contributing to national development and improving public well-being.
She said the outreach formed part of the library’s broader community engagement efforts, recalling previous visits to a boys’ correctional centre and schools to educate children on road safety.
Mrs Nyantakyi-Baah said achieving the Sustainable Development Goals required collective effort, stressing that institutions and individuals all had a role to play in national development.
She explained that good health was essential to productivity, as healthy people were able to work better, learn and contribute meaningfully to society.
She expressed appreciation to university management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, library staff, faculty members and students for supporting the project, and also acknowledged Twyford Company for donating tiles and hand-washing basins for the refurbishment.
Mental health support
The Deputy Director of Administration at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Hanson Torde, commended the university and its partners for supporting mental healthcare delivery.
He said mental health conditions were often invisible compared to physical illnesses and stressed that anyone could experience mental health challenges regardless of social status.
Mr Torde said good mental health contributes to productivity, making investment in mental healthcare critical to national development.
He urged the government, organisations and philanthropists to increase support for mental healthcare, adding that the Accra Psychiatric Hospital should not be viewed differently from any other health facility.
He also appealed for intensified efforts to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, stressing that persons living with mental health conditions deserved the same care, respect and support as patients with other medical conditions.
