Deputy Minister of Health Alexander Abban says government will consider reviewing the law that criminalises suicide.
He said suicide should be seen more as a health condition rather than a criminal act.
Speaking on GBC’s Current Affairs Program ” Focus”, Mr. Abban said the law should focus more on the socio-economic conditions that push people to commit suicide, rather than focussing on the act.
Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority Dr. Akwasi Osei said more women are now committing suicide than men.
He said what is worrying is the increasing reported cases of children between 9 and 18 years, also committing suicide.
Dr. Akwasi Osei said suicide should not be seen as a spiritual thing or a sin, as it is a mental health condition. He called for it to be decriminalization.
Chairman of the Coalition of NGO’s in Health Dr. Gabriel Benarkuu, said government must provide more resources or psycho-therapy and strengthen the mental health facilities, to give proper care to those having mental issues.
The Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Kwabena Minkah Akandoh, noted that it is about time, the Law which criminalises suicide was changed.
He said those who assist others to commit suicide, must be charged with criminal offences.
