The Ghana Association for Suicide Prevention (GASP) has called for the formulation of a National Suicide Prevention Plan to provide a common framework for addressing suicidal behaviours in Ghana.

According to GASP, while they commend government’s effort at decriminalising attempted suicide and labelling it as a mental health issue that requires assistance by law and not criminal prosecution, it is not enough to stem the number of suicides and attempted suicides in the country.

“While lauding this great effort, GASP also calls attention to the fact that decriminalisation alone does not necessarily lead to drastic reductions in suicide, unless there is political will to equip health facilities and help centres with the needed logistics and personnel to be able to receive and support the increasing numbers of people who might want to go there to seek help,” GASP said in a statement commemorating World Suicide Prevention Day.

According to a World Health Organisation 2020 report, approximately 1,993 suicides occur in Ghana annually.

A 4-year suicide attempt trends report in Ghana released by the Ministry of Health (MOH) revealed that 707 suicide attempts occurred in the year 2018, 880 attempts in 2019, and 777 attempts in 2020 with 417 attempts recorded as of June 2021.

In reference of this, GASP says a common framework for addressing suicidal behaviours in the country is the right step to take.

They noted that “A National Suicide Prevention Plan can, among other benefits, help produce locally relevant recommendations and guidelines in the areas of suicide research, surveillance, reportage and content in the media, support for persons in suicidal crises, help for loved ones left behind and family members bereaved by suicides, and operations of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the area of suicide prevention.”

They also encouraged individuals to desist from maltreating persons who may verbalise a wish to die or may have attempted suicide.

“People in suicidal crises require empathy and practical assistance and not condemnation,” they stated.

They added that “We at GASP are trained experts from multidisciplinary backgrounds committed to helping anyone undergoing suicidal crises. GASP is working closely with the Mental Health Authority to come up with a dedicated toll-free helpline that persons experiencing suicidal crises can call and receive prompt professional support.”