Ghana has recorded 543 suicide attempts and 81 complete attempts in the first half of 2024, according to the Mental Health Authority.
This represents an alarming increase compared to the 594 attempts and 48 completed suicides recorded for the entire year of 2023.
This significant increase is prompting nationwide concern, especially as young individuals between the ages of 15 and 29 are among the most affected.
The Greater Accra, Eastern, and Central regions have seen the highest number of suicide attempts, with the majority of completed suicides occurring in the Greater Accra region.
The rise in these tragic incidents has heightened the urgent need for mental health intervention and support.
As part of the global observance of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, Ghana’s Mental Health Authority is spearheading the “Changing the Narrative” initiative.
The campaign aims to encourage open conversations about suicide in homes, schools, markets, and workplaces to break the stigma that surrounds suicidal behavior.
The Mental Health Authority stresses that speaking up about suicide can save lives, challenging the misconception that talking about it increases the risk of the act.
Research shows alarming trends among students, with a 2023 study by Azasu and Joe reporting that 20.4% of junior and senior high school students in Ghana had experienced suicidal thoughts, 23.4% had made suicide plans, and 28.4% had attempted suicide.
The prevalence was higher among junior high students, making early intervention in schools crucial.
The Mental Health Authority urges everyone to be vigilant, recognizing signs such as social withdrawal, neglect of personal care, and verbal expressions of hopelessness.
Since the decriminalization of suicide, Ghanaians are encouraged to seek help through the national suicide call center, which provides professional support to those in crisis.