Giving up on life literally translates as ending one’s pursuit for life goals, dreams, ambitions and in worst cases life itself. Sad, but that is what a 64-year-old man has decided for himself in his dire situation.
It’s quite disturbing to learn, but after spending over 30 years of his life ‘imprisoned’ in the mental home, Lolonyo (not his real name) has long given up on life, happiness and every other goodness life brings.
According to a report filed by GHOne TV’s Godwin Asediba, 64-year-old Lolonyo was brought to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital in 1983 and has since been forgotten by his family. He has also lost memory of his background, thus his continual reliance on the facility.
When asked if any of his family had made any contact with him, he replied; “this is what I’m saying, nobody at all”. Further probe was to find out if he sometimes feels sad about the development and also if he has ambitions but both questions got negative responses.
“No, at all,” was his response.
Meanwhile, Lolonyo is not alone in this situation, another patient, Kwame [not his real name] has also spent 18 years at the Psychiatric facility. His mental instability was caused by a car accident he was involved in.
Kwame has over the years grown partially blind. He believes it is a result of numerous years of medication.
Unlike Lolonyo, Kwame has some life goals. He hopes to get a job in the Ghana Police Service or the Ghana Immigration Service.
The hospital, which has now become home to the likes of Lolonyo and Kwame is meant to give restoration to some other deranged people but has now become a shadow of itself.
Funds available remain low, infrastructure at the hospital are dilapidated and even feeding, a major challenge.
For persons like Lolonyo and Kwame, their only hope is the upcoming 'Halfway Home' which is still an imaginary edifice the Director of the hospital speaks of.
“Some of these people have been here over twenty years and thirty years, folders are torn, some other folders are missing. The Mental Health Authority is looking at Halfway Homes. This would be a place where people who are well and can be put back into society will be kept…,” Dr. Pinaman Appau said in an interview.
