Author Guidelines

The Ghana International Journal of Mental Health invites original contributions in the areas of mental health. Submissions may include results of empirical research, case studies, short reports, commentaries, correspondence, and literature reviews. Articles containing typographic and/or grammatical errors WILL NOT be reviewed. Manuscripts including references must be doubled spaced and follow current APA guidelines. Tables, Figures, and other illustrations must be doubled spaced and follow current APA format. Manuscripts that do not comply with these guidelines will not be considered for review. An electronic copy (at least Word file1997-2003 version) should be submitted to the following address: Professor Annabella Osie-Tutu & Dr Dzifa Abra Attah Co-Editors, Ghana International Journal of Mental Health, University of Ghana; P.O. Box LG 84 Legon, Ghana; Email: journalofmentalhealth@ug.edu.gh; Phone: +233 54 636 2836 / +233 50 833 1844.

Each submission must be accompanied by a cover letter stating that the paper is not being considered for publication elsewhere. Authors submitting manuscripts are requested to include with each copy, a cover sheet stating the title of the manuscript, the name of the author/s, the author’s institutional affiliations, email address, and the date the manuscript is submitted. The first page of the manuscript should omit the author’s name and affiliation but should include title, keywords and the date submitted. Footnotes containing information pertaining to the identity of the author should be on separate pages. Every effort should be made by the author to see that the manuscript itself contains no clues as to the author’s identity. Manuscripts must conform in style to that described in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed., (APA). Manuscripts should be no more than 25 double-spaced pages, including references. The title page must be followed by 100-150 words abstract. Each manuscript must include limitations and recommendations for future study. References must be listed in alphabetical order. Tables and figures must be camera ready. Enquiries about submission should be sent via email to journalofmentalhealth@ug.edu.gh.

Ghana International Journal of Mental Health (ISSN 0855 5729) is published bi-annually – in April and November in Accra, Ghana. No portion of the contents may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

Inquiries: all subscription inquiries, orders, and renewals must be sent to this address: journalofmentalhealth@ug.edu.gh. All inquiries, change of address; back issues, claims, and renewal request should be sent to journalofmentalhealth@ug.edu.gh.

Member Subscription Information: All inquiries, change of address, back issues, claims, and membership renewal request should be sent to journalofmentalhealth@ug.edu.gh.

Copyright Permission: permission requests to photocopy or otherwise reproduce copyrighted material owned by the Department of Psychology, University of Ghana should be submitted by accessing the article online on the journal web site and selecting request permission link. Permission may also be requested by contacting the Editor-in-Chief via email journalofmentalhealth@ug.edu.gh.

Advertising and Reprints: current advertising rates and specifications may be obtained by contacting the advertising coordinator by sending an email to journalofmentalhealth@ug.edu.gh to order reprints, please email journalofmentalhealth@ug.edu.gh

Reviewers Guidelines

When reviewing the article, please keep the following in mind:

• Content Quality and Originality,
  • Is the article sufficiently novel and interesting to warrant publication? Does it add to the canon of knowledge? Does the article adhere to the journal's standards? Is the research question an important one?
• Organization and Clarity
  • Does the title clearly describe the article?
  • Does the abstract reflect the content of the article?
  • Does the introduction describe what the author hoped to achieve accurately, and does it clearly state the problem being investigated?
  • Does the author accurately explain in the methodology how the data was collected? Is the design suitable for answering the research questions posed? Is there sufficient information present for you to replicate the research? Does the article identify the procedures followed? Are these ordered in a meaningful way? If the methods are new, are they explained in detail? Was the sampling appropriate? Have the equipment and materials been adequately described? Does the article make it clear what type of data was recorded; has the author been precise in describing measurements?
  • Did the author use appropriate analysis for the research? Are the statistics correct?
  • Are the claims in the discussion and conclusion supported by the results, and do they seem reasonable? Have the authors indicated how the results relate to expectations and to earlier research? Does the article support or contradict previous theories? Does the conclusion explain how the research has moved the body of scientific knowledge forward?
  • Are all tables, figures and images used appropriate? Do they properly show the data? Are they easy to interpret and understand?

Please indicate in your review whether;
1. The paper should be accepted with minor revisions;
2. Accept with major revisions;
3. Reject.
Please outline your reasons for your decision. In your recommendations, indicate how this paper can be improved.