Universities, although envisioned as bastions of knowledge and personal growth, now grapple with a silent crisis that demands immediate attention, an alarming trend of students taking their lives.

An alarming trend of students taking their lives appears to be gaining grounds on various university campuses in the country, with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Ghana, Legon, recording quite significant numbers in the past few years.

Various reasons: depression, a loss of a bet, bipolar disorder, and so on, have all been identified as the cause of the incidents.

Here are 10 cases of suicide/near suicide recorded on various university campuses.

KNUST student attempts suicide but is saved by friends:

But for the timely intervention of some friends, a medical student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) would have tragically lost his life on 4 July 2023. He attempted to commit suicide by jumping from the last floor of the Brunei Complex. He was captured in a viral video hanging from the balcony of a seven-storey building with about four boys pulling him up to safety.

'I QUIT' - Level 300 KNUST student sends message to her friends before committing suicide

In a similar development, a level 300 student from the same institution committed suicide on 29 June 2023. Prior to the incident, she left a note saying 'I QUIT'.

The student who was studying Real Estate Development prior to her demise is said to be one of the residents of Ultimate Hostel, Bomso. According to the source, she sent out a message to her friends saying ‘I QUIT’ but upon getting to her hostel, she had already ended her life.

Reports indicate that her door was locked and some other residents of the hostel had to break the door to be able to save her but it was too late. The police were called to the scene of the act to convey her lifeless body to the morgue.

Ghanaian University student commits suicide over US$10,000 bet loss

A level 400 student from the Kwame University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is reported to have laid violent hands upon himself in a sad report trending on social media on Aug 23, 2021.

Details surrounding his death have it that the deceased owned a couple of people to the tune of GHC 200,000 and he ridiculously decided to stake a bet of GHC 60,000 so he can win a bonanza and pay off his debts.

Unfortunately for him, he lost the bet and, unable to withstand the intense pressure which was imminent, decided to join his ancestors in the cruelest way.

Legon medical student ‘commits suicide’

Also on September 5, 2019, a third-year student of the University of Ghana Medical School reportedly committed suicide. Joseph Opuni is said to have taken his life after failing his courses and therefore billed for repeat.

Though the cause of death is yet to be verified, Master Opuni nicknamed Mobb Deep, is said to have contemplated suicide based on his posts on social media.

MP’s daughter allegedly commits suicide on KNUST Campus

An 18-year-old daughter of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Asante Akyem Central Constituency, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, has allegedly committed suicide at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The deceased, Adwoa Agyarkwa Anyimadu-Antwi, a first-year student, is believed to have hanged herself on Friday morning, [February 24, 2017].

The late Adwoa Agyarkwa Anyimadu-Antwi, was found lifeless with a rope around her neck hung to her room’s ceiling. The cause of her death has not been unraveled.

Legon student allegedly committed suicide

On March 8, 2017, a Level 400 student of the University of Ghana jumped to her death at the university at dawn, and her parents have attributed the demise of their daughter to a mental disorder she had suffered for the past five years.

The deceased, Jennifer Nyarko, 23, was an Agriculture and Consumer Science student of the university. She is said to have fallen from the fourth floor of the Akuafo Hall Annex A and was found by a student who was on her way to pray.

The passer-by, who found the victim lying motionless in a pool of blood, raised an alarm which attracted other students who were either sleeping or getting ready for lectures in the early hours of the day.

KNUST level 100 student commits suicide:

A level 100 student of KNUST, on 30 September 2017, was reported to have committed suicide by drinking an insecticide in his room. The student, identified as Stephen Nana Agyei Manu, was studying Geography and Rural Development and was a resident of Unity Hall.

He was found lying in a prone position inside a female washroom in the CCB building on the campus with an empty bottle of Nopest insecticide. He was rushed to the KNUST Hospital by the security officials of the university, but he died on arrival.

The motive behind his suicide is unclear, but some sources say that he was depressed over personal or academic issues.

How can we prevent student suicides?

The rising cases of student suicides on Ghanaian university campuses are a cause for concern and call for urgent action. While some institutions have taken some measures to address the situation, such as setting up counseling units and helplines, more needs to be done to prevent further loss of lives.

Some possible interventions that could contribute to mitigating this disturbing phenomenon are:

The promotion of mental health awareness: Increase awareness about mental health issues through campaigns, workshops, and orientation programs for new students. Encourage open discussions on mental health to reduce the stigma surrounding seeking help.

The improvement of counseling services: Ensure that counseling services are readily available and easily accessible to students. Allocate sufficient resources to hire qualified mental health professionals who can provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and ongoing support.

Training faculty and staff: Provide training sessions to faculty and staff members on recognizing signs of distress, dealing with mental health crises, and referring students to appropriate support services. This empowers them to support students in need and intervene effectively.

Strengthening peer support programs: Establish peer support programs that train students to provide informal counseling and emotional support to their peers. These programs can create a sense of community, reduce isolation, and provide an additional layer of support.

Collaborating with local mental health providers: Forge partnerships with local mental health providers to ensure students have access to a broader range of mental health services beyond what the university can offer. Establish clear referral systems and maintain regular communication with these providers, among others.

In addition to implementing these measures, it is essential to emphasize the importance of seeking help for individuals who may be feeling suicidal or for those who are concerned about someone in that state. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to take immediate action. Here are some steps to consider:

Reach out for support: Speak openly and honestly about your feelings with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or counselor. Sharing your thoughts and emotions can provide relief and help you gain perspective.

Seek professional help: Reach out to mental health professionals, such as therapists, psychologists, or counselors, who are trained to offer support and guidance in times of crisis. They can provide appropriate interventions and help develop coping strategies.

Contact helplines or crisis centers: Many organizations offer helplines, hotlines, or crisis centers that are available 24/7. These services provide immediate support and can guide you through difficult moments. Research local helplines or consider reaching out to organizations like Samaritans or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Encourage open conversations: Create an environment where open discussions about mental health and suicide are encouraged. Breaking the stigma surrounding these topics can help individuals feel more comfortable seeking help and support.

Stay connected: If you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal, reach out to them and let them know you care. Be a good listener, offer support, and encourage them to seek professional help. Remember, you don't have to handle the situation alone, and involving others who can provide assistance is crucial.

Remember, suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously, and immediate action should be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. If there is an imminent risk of harm, contact emergency services or local authorities right away.

DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author's, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana