ALT I think it has been a very laudable experience, working with disability is a passion and a commission that people should be able to contribute in various ways. It is better to look at disability from the sociocultural concepts, ideologies and worldview about people with disability, A deep knowledge of that enhances our understanding of disability. I know that the Somubi Dwumadie did exactly so. I am appreciative of being part of this programme. - Professor Kofi Agyekum, Programme Advisory Group Member

ALT My favourite thing about Ghana Somubi Dwumadie is how the programme harmonised the various areas and actors of mental health and disability inclusion in Ghana, into one fold with everyone playing their part to realise the objectives of the programme. The successes we are recounting were dependent on the collaborative commitments of CSOs, agencies, and Ministries who hitherto were often working in silos. Somubi exemplifies the essence of having all voices represented in inclusion programming, and I hope that these values are maintained in the absence of the programme. - Michael Tetteh Doku, Communications Officer of Ghana Somubi Dwumadie

ALT I think the best thing about Ghana Somubi Dwumadie is the programme’s focus on stigma and discrimination reduction. By using short films and documentaries, we have normalized the way we view persons with psychosocial disabilities, and the knowledge from these films will educate so many people. - Esenam Abra Drah, Programme Advisory Group Member

ALT Ghana Somubi Dwumadie has afforded me firsthand experience in engaging with local communities and key stakeholders, learning how to effectively communicate and collaborate with community members, understanding their needs and empowering them to take an active role in their mental health and social well-being. Being part of a dedicated and dynamic team shaped my skills in teamwork and leadership responsibilities, collaborating effectively with colleagues and lead initiatives. More importantly, I have gained insights into the role of policy and advocacy in shaping health and social protection systems, understanding policy landscapes and advocating for the necessary changes. - Dr Kenneth Ae-Ngibise, Technical Adviser of Ghana Somubi Dwumadie

ALT Building and maintaining strong, productive relationships has been hugely important to the success of the programme. People are the most important resource any organisation has, and Ghana Somubi Dwumadie was blessed with some of the best. We leave behind research and evidence, toolkits, learning papers and briefs, most significant change films, examples and stories of good practice, and more. There is a fantastic body of work underpinning this programme that we can all be proud of. - Philip Hand, Programme Manager of Ghana Somubi Dwumadie

ALT For me, the best things about Ghana Somubi Dwumadie has been how well the programme highlighted the need for stakeholders to invest in mental health, increased awareness and reduction of stigma and discrimination among targeted communities, and the policy reforms aimed at promoting accessibility to mental health and disability services in Ghana. - James Sambian, Programme Advisory Group Member

ALT For me, the major achievement is the awareness and promotion of mental health as a vital component of disability issues. Additionally, the policy influence; such as what we have in the mental health policy, the collaboration with other agencies to revise the District Assembly Common Fund guidelines, and the ongoing work regarding the amendment of the national disability bill, the mental health review tribunal, and others. The fundamental evidence generated for advocacy that cannot be underestimated, and the whole awareness packages liker films, articles and the language guide have all been phenomenal. - Gertrude Fefoame, Programme Advisory Group Member

ALT My key takeaway from Ghana Somubi Dwumadie is that all of us need to unite to enhance the work for disability inclusion just as the "Somubi" signifies. When issues bordering disabilities and mental health are handled holistically with proper stakeholder involvement, especially those with disabilities, it saves the nation money. - Peggy Ama Donkor, Programme Advisory Member

ALT It’s been 4 and half years of navigating difficult inclusive dialogues and tricky relationships that have resulted in real policy change for people with disabilities including those with mental health conditions in Ghana - Vivian Fiscian, Leadership and Governance Advisor of Ghana Somubi Dwumadie

ALT Ghana Somubi Dwumadie has been able to attain these enormous successes due to its participatory nature. The user-led approach adopted allowed the programme to be guided by the needs and priorities of users of disability and mental health services. They were fully involved throughout the programme interventions- from design to implementation. Their capacities were enhanced to take lead in the project implementation, thereby ensuring that key actions affecting persons with disabilities including mental health conditions were led by themselves. This presents a positive sign of project sustainability as there is a sense of ownership among the programme’s beneficiaries. - Anthony Osei Asare, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Advisor of Ghana Somubi Dwumadie

ALT In one of my first meetings with representatives of the disability and mental health community in Ghana, they told me, “Welcome home, Lyla”. I have tried to foster that sense of solidarity and peer support throughout the life of Ghana Somubi Dwumadie. I think a lasting legacy of the programme has been to help build connections between policymakers and people with disabilities and mental health conditions, helping to uplift their voices and leadership. - Lyla Adwan-Kamara, Team Leader of Ghana Somubi Dwumadie