The launch of the National Suicide Analysis Report by the Ministry of Health and the Mental Health Authority underscored a critical trend: a concerning increase in women’s suicide attempts, yet men continue to experience a significantly higher rate of suicide deaths. Psychiatrist Dr Kwadwo Marfo Obeng, during a press conference in Accra, highlighted this disparity, attributing it partly to differences in methods employed during suicide attempts. He explained that while women are more likely to utilize methods with lower fatality rates, men generally resort to more lethal means, including firearms and alcohol, in their attempts.
Dr Obeng stated that men tend to use guns and alcohol more frequently in suicide attempts, while women tend to use less lethal methods, like poisoning. He further emphasized that the global suicide burden, estimated at over 720,000 deaths annually, underscores the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies and increased public awareness, particularly amongst individuals experiencing emotional distress.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 720,000 people die from suicide worldwide each year. Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority, Dr. Eugene Kobla Dordoye, urged the public to demonstrate greater understanding and compassion toward individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional difficulties. He revealed that the government had introduced measures to improve access to mental health services, including a dedicated helpline offering 24/7 support, and a reform of the criminalization of attempted suicide, stating that this had created a more supportive environment for individuals to seek help and discuss their experiences.
The report’s findings revealed that 3.8 percent of adults in Ghana considered suicide in 2023, while 2.3 percent attempted suicide. The figures highlight the urgent need for intensified prevention efforts, comprehensive public education campaigns, and readily accessible mental health support systems. The report also emphasized the importance of sustained efforts to reduce stigma surrounding mental health conditions, promote open discussions about mental well-being, and ensure that individuals at risk receive timely and appropriate assistance. Stakeholders at the event underscored the need for a collective, coordinated approach to strengthening suicide prevention efforts across the country, incorporating a focus on early intervention, data-driven analysis, and culturally sensitive support. The 3.8% of adults in Ghana who considered suicide, according to the report, represents a significant concern, emphasizing the need for a proactive and comprehensive strategy to mitigate this growing crisis.
Dr Fiona Braka, WHO Representative to Ghana, urged a collaborative approach to strengthen suicide prevention, referencing the findings of the 2023 Ghana STEPS Survey, which indicated that 37-year-old women had considered suicide, while 2.3 percent had attempted suicide. The survey also pointed to the urgent need for stronger prevention measures, ongoing public education, and readily available mental health resources. The event highlighted the vital role of sustained efforts to reduce stigma, promote open conversations about mental health, and ensure that individuals at risk receive timely and effective support, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted strategy to combat this escalating issue.
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Source: Adom Online
