The role of Pentecostal clergy in mental health-care delivery in Ghana

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the current discourse on how religious groups are engaged in mental health in Ghana and how to properly engage them in mental health-care delivery, this study sets out to examine the views of 20 male Pentecostal clergy on the role of their churches in mental health-care delivery in Ghana. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts. Findings showed that Pentecostal clergy lean more towards a diabolical explanatory model of mental health than a biomedical perspective. There are three roles of the church from the clergy's perspectives: exorcism, social support and health education. These roles are however hampered by certain barriers. The implication for strategies of establishing collaborative framework is discussed.