The Association for Suicide Prevention Ghana (GASP) has called on individuals, communities, organisations and governments to engage in open and honest discussions on the causes of suicidal behaviour to support efforts at suicide prevention.
The Association said it was imperative for stakeholders to commit to asking, listening, supporting and connecting people to appropriate care to help build a society where no one suffers in silence.
GASP made the call in a statement jointly signed by Professor Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie, President, and Ms Akosua Donkor, Head of Communications and Campaigns, to mark this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day.
The Day is being observed on the theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”
The statement said changing the narrative was about transforming society’s understanding of the complex issue of suicide by shifting from a culture of silence to one characterised by openness, empathy and support.
It noted that Ghana recorded 134 suicide deaths in 2024, with more than 1,100 reported suicide attempts.
According to the statement, preliminary reports from 2025 indicated that 175 suicide deaths were recorded within the first six months of the year.
The statement further cited a study involving 1,101 school-going adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years in Ghana, which found that 25.1 per cent of respondents had experienced suicidal thoughts within the previous 12 months.
“Behind every statistic is a person, a family member, friend, colleague, neighbour or loved one, and every suicide death leaves lasting emotional, social and economic effects on those left behind,” it said.
The Association said despite its far-reaching impact, suicide continued to be surrounded by silence, stigma, myths and misunderstanding.
“Many people experiencing suicidal thoughts suffer alone because they fear being judged or do not know where to seek help.
“All these evidence remind us that suicide prevention must be part of everyday conversations in our homes, schools, workplaces, health facilities, places of worship and social spaces, including our online communities,” the statement said.
GASP called for strengthened suicide prevention interventions, increased access to mental health support services and greater compassion towards people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
The Association urged the public to support efforts aimed at promoting mental wellbeing and creating safe spaces where people could seek help without fear of stigma or discrimination.
