Ghana is witnessing a worrying increase in suicide cases, with the Mental Health Authority (MHA) reporting a sharp spike in the number of attempts and deaths across the country.

In the first half of 2024, 543 suicide attempts were recorded, with 81 of these tragically resulting in death. These figures surpass the total for 2023, when there were 594 attempts and 48 completed suicides for the entire year.

The GMHA revealed these troubling statistics during the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day, held annually on September 10.

The report emphasises a pressing need for immediate intervention.

The regions most affected by this growing crisis include Greater Accra, Eastern, and Central Regions, with Greater Accra reporting the highest number of deaths.

The Authority is especially alarmed by the rising rate of suicide among young people, particularly those aged 15-29. "Many of those affected by suicide worldwide are young, and this calls for urgent intervention," the report stated.

To address the crisis, the GMHA is calling for nationwide education and awareness campaigns. It urges media outlets, health organisations, and communities to actively engage in suicide prevention efforts.

“It is crucial to start the conversation early to prevent the loss of our future generation to suicide,” the report noted, emphasising the need for open discussions in homes, schools, and public spaces to destigmatise suicidal behaviour.

Key preventive measures recommended by the GMHA include building interpersonal skills, restricting access to common methods of suicide, and ensuring timely intervention for individuals showing signs of suicidal behaviour.

"Despite suicide being one of the leading causes of death among young people, it can be prevented," the report concluded.

With the surge in numbers, the GMHA's call for action is clear - more needs to be done to curb this growing public health crisis.