Persons who attempt suicide shouldn't be prosecuted — CJ orders judges, magistrates

The Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, has notified all Circuit Court judges and magistrates that persons who attempt suicide are not liable for prosecution or conviction following the amendment of the Offences Amendment Act (2023) Act 1092).

This directive was contained in a statement dated October 18, 2024, and signed by Justice Cyra Pamela C. A. Koranteng.

It said, "I have been directed by the Honourable Lady Chief Justice to notify all Circuit Court Judges and Magistrates that attempted suicide has been decriminalised by the Criminal Offences Amendment Act, 2023 (Act 1092).

"She has further directed me to inform you that with the amendment of Section 57 of the Criminal Offences Act (1960) ( Act 29) and Section 95 of the Mental Health Act (2012) (Act 846) by Act 1092, persons who attempt suicide are no longer liable for prosecution or conviction."

It urged Circuit Court judges and magistrates to adhere to the directive.

"Circuit Court Judges and Magistrates are to take note for compliance," the statement added.

Read the full statement below:

JKB/AE

Meanwhile, catch up on the latest episode of The Lowdown on GhanaWeb TV with Etsey Atisu as he caught with Philip Atawura, who just returned from a successful kidney transplant in India.



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