Ghana records 81 completed suicides in the first half of 2024 - Mental Health Authority

The growing rate of suicide is increasingly alarming in Ghana, with the Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions recording the highest attempted suicide cases in the county.

According to 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.

This, the Authority describes as a worrying concern, as a 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.

As Ghana joins the world today 10th September 2024 to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, the Ghana Mental Health Authority is creating awareness to break the stigma and silence surrounding suicidal behaviours.

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 behaviour."

The Statement suggests that “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 behaviour."

“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.”