ECOWAS Parliament Shines Spotlight On Mental Health In Conakry
On the third day of its sensitisation mission in Guinea, the ECOWAS Parliament took its campaign against substance abuse and mental health stigma straight to the heart of Conakry’s rehabilitation and health institutions.
The delegation, led by Hon. Fanta Condé, visited the Donka University Hospital’s Psychiatric Unit, the SAJED-G Youth Rehabilitation Centre, and Fraternité Médicale Guinée (FMG).
At each stop, they met with health professionals and young people recovering from addiction, reinforcing the Parliament’s commitment to tackling drug abuse and promoting mental well-being across West Africa.
Dr Denis Bernard Raiche of Donka Hospital raised alarm over the increasing number of cannabis-induced psychiatric cases among youth, calling for tighter collaboration within and beyond national borders to improve mental health care.
At SAJED-G, recovering youths bravely shared personal stories of struggle and healing. Their words, filled with pain and hope, left a lasting impression on the visitors. Staff described the engagement as deeply encouraging.
Meanwhile, discussions at FMG highlighted the pressing need for better training and resources for mental health workers—an issue echoed by stakeholders throughout the day, who warned that up to 90% of crimes in the region are linked to substance abuse.
The day wrapped up with a media briefing and group photograph, setting the stage for high-level meetings scheduled for Wednesday with key Guinean ministries and the Transitional National Council.
The message from Conakry is clear: mental health matters, and regional unity is vital to breaking the cycle of drug abuse.
