A total of 83 persons have died through suicide with 543 attempts recorded nationwide by the end of the first half this year, the Mental Health Authority (MHA) has disclosed.
The figure points to an alarming increase of suicide cases compared to 594 attempts and 48 deaths recorded for the whole of last year.
According to the MHA, the Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions had the highest number of attempted suicides within the first half with Greater Accra recording the most completed suicide incidences.
This came to light at a symposium in Accra yesterday to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on the theme; “Changing the narrative on suicide with a call to action; Start the conversation.”
Commemorated every September 10, the three-year running theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.
Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how people perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
In an address, the Chief Executive Officer of the MHA, Professor Pinaman Appau, indicated a rising trend of suicidal behaviours among males as compared to females.
Citing a recent study by Azazu and Joe, 2023, Prof. Appau said the threat was also prevalent among adolescents particularly Junior High students which calls for greater attention to be paid to such groups.
“The study found a prevalence of 20.4 per cent of suicidal thoughts, 23.4 per cent for suicide planning and 28.4 per cent for actual suicide attempts among junior and senior high school students.
Alarmingly, the prevalence was reported to be higher in Junior High school students compared to those in Senior High Schools.”
The CEO said while risk factors leading to suicide attempts were multifaceted, deepened socio-economic challenges further compounded the problem among the populace.
She called for collective efforts in prioritising mental health among the population where “seeking help is no longer seen as a sign of weakness but strength and where every individual feels valued and supported.”
“Every conversation we have and every hand we extend in support devoid of judgement and reproach brings us closer to a Ghana where suicide is no longer a silent crisis,” she said.
The Board Chairperson of the MHA, Madam Estelle Appiah, said while suicide has been decriminalised in the country since last year was welcoming news, it gave room for stereotyping attempted suicides.
“Unfortunately, the language of the amendment of the Criminal Offences Amendment Act, 2023 Act 1092 section 57.2 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 to provide that a person who attempts suicide shall be conclusively considered to have severe mental disorder and the provision of the Mental Health Act, 2012 Act 846 shall apply is not technically correct.
While the intention behind the provision may be to ensure persons receive necessary support, it inadvertently oversimplifies the complex factors that contribute to suicide attempts perpetuating harmful stereotypes and takes nuance in understanding the varying circumstances and motivations behind attempted suicide.”
In view of that, Mad. Appiah said the MHA was taking steps to correct the anomaly by proposing rather that “a person who attempts suicide shall be provided with a comprehensive assessment and support that acknowledges the potential complexity of factors that may have contributed to the suicide attempt in the best interest of the mental health of the person under the Mental Health Act, 2012 Act 846.”
“Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo and stigma is important for us to make progress in preventing suicide and the call to action starts the conversations that encourages all to open up and embrace dialogue on issues pertaining to mental health and suicide,” she urged.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
