Man hangs himself on suicide prevention day
As the world celebrated suicide prevention day on September 10, 2024, a man believed to be in his late sixties allegedly hanged himself at New Amanful in the Western Region.
According to the Assembly Member for the area, Paul Annan, the yet-to-be-identified man was found hanging on a tree.
“I had information early in the morning that someone had committed suicide on a mango tree opposite the community cemetery. I reported to the scene, and it was a sad spectacle. I called the police, and they came to examine the scene, they took the body away. Unfortunately, nobody in the community recognizes him. He is a stranger who came to commit suicide in the area,” he said.
It was World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), marked each year on 10 September, to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented.
During this year’s celebration, the Mental Health Authority (MHA) sounded the alarm over a drastic increase in suicide attempts and completions in Ghana.
The figures represent a significant increase compared to the 594 attempted suicides and 48 completed suicides for the entire year of 2023.
The Greater Accra, Eastern, and Central Regions were identified as hotspots for suicide attempts, with the Greater Accra Region recording the highest number of completed suicides.
The authority, therefore called on Ghanaians to be vigilant and seek help, citing the growing concern about suicidal behaviour globally.
MHA also urged individuals to prioritize their mental health and well-being and to report any suspicious behaviour or suicidal tendencies to the authorities.