The Alliance for Mental Health and Development is calling on government to decriminalise suicide attempts.
It says state agencies, particularly the Mental Health Authority, Ghana Health Service, and the Department of Social Welfare should also be empowered to make comprehensive psychological support available at all levels of the health system and in educational institutions.
In a release, the Coalition said state and corporate bodies must prioritize mental health at the workplace to prevent mental disorders and suicides.
WHO reports that for every successful suicide, there are about 20 suicide attempts. In Ghana, estimates indicate that in 2015 alone, 1,500 suicide cases were recorded.
Mental Health Alliance further calls on government to implement a National Policy and Action Plan on mental health in general and Suicide Prevention, in particular, to guide and consolidate concerted efforts needed to address the country’s mental health challenges.
