Africa-Press – Ghana. Suicide remains a major global public health concern, with data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicating that between 727,000 and 740,000 people die by suicide each year.
About 75 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana, adding that suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 – 29 years olds.
Although Ghana made progress in 2023 by decriminalising attempted suicide, recent figures from the Mental Health Authority show that the problem remains severe.
In 2024, the Authority recorded 134 completed suicides and 1,174 attempted cases nationwide.
Provisional data for 2025 points to an even more troubling trend, with about 175 suicide-related deaths and 475 attempted cases recorded within the first six months alone. These statistics highlight the urgent need for stronger mental health services, sustained public education, and coordinated national action.
Understanding Suicide
Suicide is defined as the deliberate act of ending one’s life and is increasingly recognised by health professionals as a mental health condition rather than a moral failing or criminal behaviour. It is often driven by prolonged emotional pain and psychological distress, which frequently go untreated due to limited access to medical and psychosocial support.
Mr Peter Amadu Mintir, Lecturer at the Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies (UDS), describes suicide as “a complex behaviour rather than a single impulsive act,” adding that it is often the result of psychological, social, and economic pressures. He notes that in Ghana, suicide continues to be misunderstood and moralised instead of being treated as a public health issue—an approach that hampers effective prevention.
He said in northern Ghana particularly, suicide is shaped by factors such as substance abuse, poverty, unemployment, family conflict, and limited access to mental health services. Many individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts do not receive timely support because their struggles are often attributed to spiritual weakness, witchcraft, or moral failure.
Mr Mintir, who also serves as Executive Director of the Total Life Enhancement Centre (TOLECGH), emphasises that stigma remains a major barrier to suicide prevention. Many people hide their emotional distress until it escalates into suicidal behaviour.
He notes that men and young people are especially vulnerable due to societal expectations that discourage emotional expression.
“Suicide is preventable if we create supportive environments where people can seek help without fear or shame,” he stressed.
Preventing Suicide
Suicide prevention involves intentional actions, policies, and interventions aimed at reducing risk and addressing the underlying causes of suicidal behaviour.
Professor Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie, President of the Association for Suicide Prevention Ghana (GASP), says suicide prevention is a shared societal responsibility.
He underscored the critical role of the media in shaping public attitudes, urging journalists to strictly follow ethical reporting standards—protecting identities of victims and families, avoiding criminalising language, and refraining from publishing suicide notes or social media posts of deceased persons.
He also encouraged journalists to include help-seeking information in their reports, such as the Ghana Mental Health Psychosocial Support toll-free line, 0800 678 678.
Prof Quarshie advised against sensational headlines, recommending that the word “suicide” be used only when reports focus specifically on prevention.
Recommendations / Way Forward
Reverend John Kidisil Ngmalbini, General Overseer of Dominating Power Ministry in Tamale, noted that growing suicide cases—including among Christians—underscore the need for closer collaboration between the Church and the Mental Health Authority.
He explained that while suicide is a psychological and medical issue, some individuals may also experience spiritual dimensions, requiring a compassionate, holistic response.
“It is not about who is more powerful than the other; it is about saving lives. If medical treatment will help, so be it, and if prayer will help, so be it. Whatever approach it takes, lives must be saved,” he said.
Rev Ngmalbini urged faith-based institutions to provide counselling, referrals, and emotional support rather than condemnation.
He called for a coordinated national approach involving government agencies, health professionals, traditional leaders, the media, and local communities to effectively tackle suicide and protect lives.
Source: Ghana News Agency
