By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah, GNA
Tema, Feb. 04, GNA – Dr Johnny Andoh-Arthur, Secretary of the Ghana Association of Suicide Prevention (GASP), has called on media practitioners to play an educational role by promoting positive coping mechanisms for vulnerable groups in society through responsible reporting.
Dr Andoh-Arthur made the call during a suicide prevention reporting capacity-building workshop for journalists, noting that findings from a study assessing suicide-related reporting on online media platforms in Ghana revealed significant gaps.
He said the study highlighted the need to strengthen the capacity of media personnel to frame such reports in ways that emphasized help-seeking behaviour and provided appropriate coping mechanisms for individuals facing similar circumstances.
He added that the study reviewed 288 news reports published by both public and private media houses, and results revealed patterns that could negatively affect people experiencing emotional distress.
Dr Andoh-Arthur, who is also a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology at the University of Ghana, explained that 82.6 per cent of the reports used the word “suicide”, while 79.9 per cent used the phrase “committed suicide”, stressing that suicide was not a crime; therefore, the use of the word “committed” was misleading and harmful, as it reinforces stigma and blame.
He added that 66.3 per cent of the reports provided detailed descriptions, 92.7 per cent mentioned specific locations, 83.7 per cent published the names of individuals involved, and 56.6 per cent included photographs of victims.
He warned that such reporting practices exposed vulnerable individuals to harmful content that might worsen their emotional state or normalise self-harm as a response to life challenges and emphasised that the media must go beyond reporting incidents and instead focus on offering hope, guidance, and practical coping strategies.
He explained that vulnerable individuals, including young people, the unemployed, victims of abuse, and those living with mental health conditions, often turn to the media for meaning and reassurance during difficult times.
Dr Andoh-Arthur urged journalists to use their platforms to educate the public on healthy coping mechanisms such as seeking professional help, talking to trusted family members or friends, managing stress, and accessing community-based support services.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba