Ghana experienced a 40 percent increase in suicide-related deaths in 2024, as reported by Dr. Eugene Dordoye, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority (MHA). During the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 in Accra on Wednesday, September 10, he attributed this rise mainly to incidents among young people. This year’s event focused on the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide After Decriminalisation.”
Dr. Dordoye mentioned that in 2023, there were approximately 134 reported suicide deaths. He emphasised that for every life lost, there are typically three to five times more suicide attempts, each of which can impact up to ten individuals. He warned that the increasing numbers not only signify a public health crisis but also present a serious economic concern, as many of those who died were young individuals with significant potential to contribute to Ghana’s economy.
Dr. Dordoye acknowledged that the increase in reported suicides may be partly due to improved awareness and reporting. However, he emphasized that there is clear evidence of a genuine rise in suicide deaths. “Unfortunately, we have seen up to a 40 percent increase in 2024. While some of this may result from better reporting, we believe a real surge has occurred. The bigger issue is: what are we doing about it? Suicide is a preventable cause of death—we cannot afford to keep losing lives in this manner,” he stressed.
Dr. Dordoye called for urgent policy action, increased investment in mental health services, and expanded community-level awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage early help-seeking. The event gathered mental health professionals, civil society organisations, students, and survivors, all of whom pledged their support for nationwide advocacy to address the growing suicide crisis in Ghana.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
