Ghana lost 81 lives to suicide in first half of 2024
The Greater Accra, Eastern, and Central regions recorded the highest numbers of suicide attempts for the half year of 2024, with the most completed suicides occurring in the Greater Accra region.
According to the Mental Health Authority in a statement signed by the CEO, Dr. Pinaman Apau, in the first half of 2024, Ghana recorded a total of 543 attempted suicides and 81 completed suicides through various District Health Information Management Systems across the country.
This represents an alarming increase compared to the 594 attempts and 48 completed suicides recorded for the entire year of 2023. The surge is especially concerning as many of those affected by suicide worldwide are young (15-29 years).
Today marks Suicide Prevention Day on the theme “Changing the Narrative” calling for an action to initiate conversations about suicide in the streets, homes, markets, offices, and schools, creating an opportunity to break the silence and stigma surrounding suicidal behaviour.
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