WHO: 3.8% of Ghanaian adults have considered suicide while 2.3% attempted

By: Godbless Asaana
‎The World Health Organization (WHO) has disclosed that 3.8 percent of adults in Ghana have considered suicide, while 2.3 percent have attempted it, underscoring the urgent need for stronger suicide prevention measures.
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‎WHO Country Representative to Ghana, Dr Fiona Braka, disclosed this in Accra during the launch of activities for the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day.
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‎She called for intensified efforts to prevent suicide, particularly among young people and other vulnerable groups who may face heightened risks.
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‎According to Dr Braka, findings from the 2023 Ghana STEPS Survey also indicate that suicidal thoughts are common among young people, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address the problem.
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‎“Every suicide is a tragedy that has profound social, emotional, and economic consequences for families, for friends, for workplaces, and for communities. In Ghana, the recent evidence highlights the need for continued action,” she said.
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‎Dr Braka also commended the government and Parliament for the decision in March 2023 to decriminalize attempted suicide, describing the reform as an important move away from punishment towards care and compassion.
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‎“This important reform marked a significant shift from punishment to care and compassion, recognizing that suicide and suicidal behavior are public health and mental health concerns that require support, treatment, and protection of human dignity,” she said.
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‎She urged stakeholders to sustain efforts to strengthen support systems and ensure that people at risk of suicide receive timely and appropriate care and protection.
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‎Dr, Braka stressed the importance of continued collaboration among government, health professionals, civil society organisations, communities and other stakeholders to strengthen suicide prevention efforts in Ghana.
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‎World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual global awareness day observed on September 10 to promote worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicide.