Ghana Decriminalises Attempted Suicide, Now A Mental Health Issue

Ghana’s parliament has amended parts of the Criminal Offenses Act of 1960, which made attempting to take one’s own life a crime. According to Ghana’s TV3, following the amendment, attempted suicide will now be deemed a mental health issue requiring legal assistance.

Ghanaian health experts have been pushing for the legislation to be changed, claiming that attempted suicide is a medical condition that requires medical attention rather than incarceration.

Ghana Decriminalises Attempted Suicide, Now A Mental Health Issue (News Central TV)

Some survivors of attempted suicide have also advocated for more resources to be directed towards prevention.

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According to local media, approximately 1,500 suicides are recorded nationwide each year.

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