The Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has notified judges and magistrates in the country to desist from criminalising attempted suicide.
A statement released and signed by the Judicial Secretary, Justice Pamela C.A Koranteng, said attempted suicide has ceased to be an offence.
It said due to the amendment of Section 57 of the Criminal Offenses Act 1960 and Section 95 of the Mental Health Act 2012, anyone who attempted suicide should no longer be prosecuted or convicted.
The Judicial Secretary 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 Offenses Amendment Act, 2023 (Act 1092).”
Circuit Court Judges and Magistrates are required to comply with this directive immediately, according to the statement, reflecting the new approach to mental health issues and legal processes in Ghana.
In 2023, Ghana’s Parliament approved amendments to the Criminal Offenses Act of 1960, which previously made attempted suicide a criminal offence.
Due to the recent changes, individuals, who attempt to take their own life will now be regarded as needing mental health support rather than facing imprisonment under the law.
Health experts in Ghana have been advocating this amendment, citing the need for medical assistance for those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts.
This move will positively be welcomed by mental health advocates and human rights organisations, who have long called for reforms to Ghana’s mental health laws, arguing that the criminalisation of attempted suicide often prevents people from seeking help.
