The Mental Health Authority, has expressed concerns about the growing rate of suicide in Ghana.
In a press statement released by the Mental Health Authority, Ghana has recorded 81 completed suicides and 543 attempted cases in the first half of 2024, as against 48 completed suicide cases and 594 attempted in 2023 with the Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions recording the highest in attempted suicide cases in the county.
They described this as an alarming concern, as majority of these cases are young people between the ages of 15 to 29 years, with the most completed cases occurring in the Greater Accra Region.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, the Ghana Mental Health Authority, is creating an awareness to break the stigma and silence surrounding suicidal behaviors.
The theme “Changing the Narrative”, is a wake up call for action to initiate conversations about suicide in ‘Our streets, homes, markets, offices and schools, creating an opportunity to break the silence and stigma surrounding suicidal behavior’.
“Despite suicide being one of the leading causes of death among young people, it can be prevented by encouraging the development of essential skills necessary to connect with others, limiting access to common means of suicide, and providing timely assessment and management for individuals affected by suicidal behavior”.
“It is therefore crucial to start the conversation early to prevent the loss of our future generation to suicide. With this in mind, the Mental Health Authority has resolved to change the narrative by engaging all stakeholders, including security and media personnel, to create nationwide awareness and education through various media platforms” parts of the statement read
