The Mental Health Authority has raised alarm over the growing incidence of suicide in Ghana, reporting that more than 1,600 people attempted to take their lives within the last 18 months.
Data from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) revealed that 1,174 suicide attempts were recorded in 2024, while an additional 475 were reported in the first half of 2025. Tragically, 134 people lost their lives to suicide in 2024—representing a 40 percent increase compared to 2023.
“These figures are deeply worrying. Behind each statistic is a life cut short and a family devastated,” said Dr. Eugene K. Dordoye, Acting Chief Executive of the Authority, in a statement to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2025.
Dr. Dordoye stressed the urgent need to intensify public education, strengthen community support systems, and train frontline workers to detect early warning signs of suicide. He also highlighted the importance of sustainable funding for prevention programmes and called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society, and local communities.
He appealed to the media to adopt responsible reporting practices on suicide, urging journalists to avoid sensationalism and instead focus on messages of resilience and hope, as well as available helplines.
“Be partners in hope, not amplifiers of despair,” he urged.
The Mental Health Authority is expected to roll out expanded awareness campaigns and intervention programmes in the coming months as part of efforts to reduce suicide rates and provide critical support to vulnerable groups.
