A Historical Study of Mental Health Practices in Colonial Asante

Abstract

: This study examines the historical evolution of mental health practices and policies in Asante, Ghana, with a focus on the impact of colonialism on the field of mental health. The study reveals that traditional Asante society had a holistic approach to mental health, which included both scientific and traditional practices. The traditional Asante people believed that the social and physical conditions of an individual have an effect on his mental health and that a well-balanced social environment was crucial for preventing mental illness. The study also examines the mystical connotations and explanations that the traditional Asante society linked to mental illnesses. However, over the colonial era, the definition and explanation for the causation of mental illness changed. There was a gradual change from the supernatural causation of illness to a more scientific explanation of illness within this period. We argue that the colonial government was unprepared for the growing number of mental health cases and care of mental health during this time. This was a result of the difficulties faced by the colonial administration which included inadequate personnel and facilities, and poor cooperation from the indigenous Asante population due to cultural barriers among others. The paper argues further that these challenges experienced by the colonial government are still present today. This study employs a qualitative approach to investigate the diverse mental health policies, actions, and practices from traditional Asante society to the colonial era, as well as the effects of these policies and practices on modern Asante mental health care.