The Mental Health Authority says each year 1,500 Ghanaians die by committing suicide, with a staggering 1.5 million more contemplating suicide.
Aside the shocking figures, the Authority adds that 15,000 Ghanaians also attempt to commit suicide each year.
As the world marks “Suicide Prevention Day” Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority, Dr. Akwasi Osei hinted that suicide cases have shot up over the years, a situation he described as worrying.
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He noted that most of the cases recorded involve persons between the ages of 21 and 26 years.
According to him, four women out of every five persons attempt suicide, however, more men die to suicide compared to women.
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He attributes the high rate of suicide in Ghana to the breakdown of traditional social systems and called on the government to train more mental experts to support people.
Dr. Osei has therefore challenged government to pay more attention to mental health to reduce the rising rate of suicide cases.