By Edward Williams, GNA
Ho, Sept. 10, GNA – The Association for Suicide Prevention Ghana (GASP) has said suicide prevention must be part of everyday conversations in homes, schools, workplaces, health facilities, places of worship and social spaces including our online communities.
The Association reveals that Ghana recorded 134 suicide deaths in 2024, alongside more than 1,100 reported suicide attempts.
It said early reports from 2025 indicated that 175 suicide deaths were recorded within the first six months of the year.
In a press release signed by Professor Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie, the President, and Ms. Akosua Donkor, Head of Communications & Campaigns, GASP, the association said a study involving 1,101 school-going adolescents aged 10-19 years in Ghana found that 25.1 per cent reported suicidal thoughts within the previous 12 months.
It said the figures represented reported cases and might partly reflect improved reporting following the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Ghana.
The release said the findings also highlighted the urgent need for stronger prevention efforts, accessible mental health support and communities that were willing to talk openly about emotional distress.
“Changing the Narrative on Suicide” is the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 to 2026.
The release said changing the narrative was about transforming how the complex issue of suicide was understood, shifting from a culture of silence towards one of openness, empathy and support.
It said changing the narrative also aimed at encouraging individuals, communities, organisations and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicidal behaviour and prevention.
The release noted that as the final year of the theme is being marked, GASP joined the global call to build on the three years of the conversations, to break down barriers, raise awareness and strengthen the culture of understanding and support that continue beyond 2026.
It said changing the narrative on suicide in Ghana meant changing how people understood and responded to others experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
The release said, “A person experiencing suicidal thoughts is not weak, bad or simply someone who needs to be strong.
“Often, they are experiencing overwhelming (psychological) pain and may need understanding, support and access to appropriate care.”
The release said when someone said they were struggling, the first response should not be judgement or dismissal since responses such as “just pray harder,” “think positively” or “forget about it” might unintentionally make people feel more isolated.
It said faith, spirituality and encouragement could provide important support for many people; however, they should not replace professional mental health care when someone needs additional help.
The release said changing the narrative began with compassion, listening and recognising that mental health is part of overall health, adding that there could not be health without mental health.
It also said changing the narrative and starting the conversations also meant equipping media practitioners with requisite skills that would enable them to report and steer conversations on suicides appropriately and responsibly.
“Towards this end, GASP, in collaboration with key stakeholders within the media and mental health space (including Mental Health Authority and WHO) has developed the “Ghana Guidelines for Appropriate Media Reporting of Suicide” to be launched by the Mental Health Authority.”
The release said “if you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or needs mental health support, please call the toll-free helpline of the Mental Health Authority: 0800678678.
“As we mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, let us all commit to asking, listening, supporting and connecting people to care. Together, we can create a society where no one feels they must suffer in silence.”
Suicide affects individuals, families and communities across the world.
In 2021, an estimated 727,000 people died by suicide globally while a more recent analysis estimates the number at approximately 746,000 deaths.
The GASP noted that behind every statistic was a person, a family member, friend, colleague, neighbour or loved one.
“Every suicide death leaves lasting emotional, social and economic effects on those left behind. Despite its impact, suicide remains surrounded by silence, stigma, myths and misunderstanding,” the GASP added.
The GASP revealed also that many people experiencing suicidal thoughts suffer alone because they fear being judged or do not know where to seek help.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Benjamin Mensah