Coordinators Highlight
How are we treating the mentally challenged and all those associated with them? We will go all the way to seek redress when we are abused by mentally challenged people. At other times, we take the law into our hands to inflict physical pain. It is time to champion their rights as well.

Poem in full

Neglected not only once,
Rejected not only twice,
Dejected not only thrice,
Yet, I choose to be cool and practice serenity!
Despite the enmity, given the mandate to dominate my world!
But I reacted due to stigma!
 
They pointed accusing fingers at me,
Boldly and happily saying; my vacancy in this world had
been snatched away by another, so what?
But they fed me with stigmatization!
Soon, alienation and loneliness became my nourishment and best friend!
 
So when will all these end!
Seems like it’s unending!!
I’m ok, I don’t need any mending of my mind’s mind with you,
Since, you have decided to deliberately treat me with utter contempt!
Without minding its associated impending repercussions!
 
Hope to see you really healthy!
This is what you relish,
But are you treating me as such to be so!?
 
 
 
 

Theophil Orel
Student poet/ Mental Health Advocate
University of Ghana Legon