Department of Psychiatry
Welcome to the Department of Psychiatry
From its humble inception in 1962, the Department of Psychiatry has grown to become a leading centre of psychiatric care, training, and research. The department has etched a legacy of providing high-quality mental health services while shaping the future of psychiatric education in Ghana. Today, we continue to build on this foundation by offering comprehensive care, promoting well-being, and advancing the science and practice of psychiatry.
Our Leadership and Staff
Our department has been shaped by the visionary leadership of many distinguished professionals. Founded by the pioneering Professor E.F.B. Foster, the first African psychiatrist, the department has flourished under the stewardship of several influential leaders. Today, we are guided by Dr. Delali K. Fiagbe, who continues to drive the department’s mission forward.
Past Heads of Department:
- Professor E.F.B. Foster (1962–1980)
- Professor C.C. Adomako (1980–1987)
- Professor S.N.H. Turkson (1987–2005)
- Professor Sammy Ohene (2005–2019)
- Professor Angela Ofori-Atta (2019–2021)
- Dr. Delali K. Fiagbe (2021–present)
Together with our dedicated core management team and highly skilled medical professionals, we work together to provide top-tier psychiatric care and a supportive environment for both patients and staff.
Core Functions and Services
The Department of Psychiatry’s core functions focus on the holistic treatment of mental health, education, and community outreach. Our services span across inpatient and outpatient care, postgraduate training, and research aimed at improving psychiatric practices and advancing mental health care.
Our Services Include:
- Outpatient Psychiatric Care
- Inpatient Management through our Brief Assessment Ward
- Addiction Treatment via the Addictive Disease Unit
- Community Psychiatric Outreach
- Neuropsychological and Psychological Services
- Occupational Therapy
- Brain Stimulation Services
Training and Education
Our department is committed to training the next generation of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. We offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology. Our medical students receive extensive training that integrates both academic learning and clinical practice in various psychiatric settings.
We are also proud to offer specialized postgraduate training for those pursuing advanced expertise in Psychiatry, fostering the development of skilled professionals who will go on to make significant contributions to mental health care.
Research and Development
Innovation in mental health care is at the heart of our department. Our research efforts focus on advancing understanding in psychiatry, exploring new treatment methods, and developing interventions tailored to the unique needs of our community. Our commitment to research ensures that we remain at the forefront of mental health care and continue to improve our practices and services.
Clinical Units
Our department operates several specialized clinical units, each designed to address specific psychiatric needs:
- Outpatient Department: Providing ongoing psychiatric care for individuals with a variety of mental health challenges through our around-the-week clinics.
- Brief Assessment Ward: For immediate psychiatric evaluation and short-term care.
- Addictive Disease Unit (ADU): Specializing in the treatment of substance use disorders.
- Community Psychiatric Unit: Focused on mental health care in the community and outreach services.
- Brain Stimulation Services: Offering advanced treatments for conditions such as severe depression.
- Occupational Therapy and Psychological Services: Supporting recovery and mental health through therapeutic interventions.
Support Services
In addition to our clinical services, we provide comprehensive support systems for both patients and healthcare professionals. These services include:
- Neuropsychological Assessments
- Psychological and Counseling Services
- Pharmaceutical Services
- Social Support Services
Our support services ensure that patients and their families receive the necessary resources to manage and navigate their mental health journeys effectively.
Our Team
The Department of Psychiatry is led by a team of dedicated professionals who are deeply committed to advancing mental health care. Our team consists of highly trained consultants, specialists, nurses, psychologists, pharmacists, and administrative staff who work collaboratively to provide compassionate, expert care.
Core Management Team:
- Head of Department: Dr. Delali Fiagbe (Neuropsychiatrist)
- Deputy Chief Nursing Officer: Mrs. Victoria Koranteng
- Specialist, Unit Head for Doctors: Dr. Sheila Appiah-Pippim
- Pharmacist: Mr. Makafui Nyagblordzro
- Human Resource/Administrator: Ms. Mansura A. Ghafaar
- Engineer: Mr. Eric Adjei
- Head, Addictive Diseases Unit: Mr. Charles Osei
- Accountant: Mr. Charles Vossah
List of Consultants and Specialists:
Our team of specialists ensures that patients receive the best care possible. Here’s a list of our expert consultants and specialists:
- Prof. Sammy Ohene
- Prof. Angela Ofori-Atta
- Dr. Delali Kudza Fiagbe
- Dr. Sedohia Albert
- Dr. Sheila Appiah-Pippim
- Dr. Josephine A. Stiles Darko
- Dr. Agbeli Akosua Esinu
- Dr. Abigail Naa Ayeley Harding
- Dr. Dei-Asamoa Richard
- Dr. Twum Lydia Winnifred
- Dr. Lorna Nana Amponsah Lartey
- Dr. Edna Apio
- Dr. Samira Majeed Niena
- Dr. Barbara Buckman
- Dr. Dzifa Abra Attah
- Mr. Seth Mawusi Asafo
- Mrs. Beatrice Dwumfour Williams
At the Department of Psychiatry, we are committed to excellence in mental health care and are proud to continue the work that started in 1962, with the sole objective of helping individuals and communities lead healthier and happier lives.