The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative to Ghana, Dr Fiona Braka, has disclosed that 3.8 per cent of adults in Ghana have considered suicide, while 2.3 per cent have attempted suicide.
Dr Fiona Braka highlighted the need for stronger prevention and support systems across the country.
The WHO Country Representative to Ghana made these figures known during the launch of activities marking the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day.
She disclosed that findings from the 2023 Ghana STEPS Survey also showed that suicidal thoughts were common among young people, stressing that targeted interventions are particularly important.
Dr Fiona Braka stated, “Every suicide is a tragedy that has profound social, emotional, and economic consequences for families, for friends, for workplaces, and for communities. In Ghana, the recent evidence highlights the need for continued action”.
She further called for intensified efforts to prevent suicide, particularly among young people and other vulnerable groups.
She also commended the government and Parliament for decriminalising attempted suicide in March 2023, describing the reform as a shift from punishment to care and compassion.
“This important reform marked a significant shift from punishment to care and compassion, recognising that suicide and suicidal behaviour are public health and mental health concerns that require support, treatment, and protection of human dignity,” she said.
Dr Fiona Braka further called on stakeholders to strengthen support systems and ensure people at risk receive appropriate care and protection.
In related suicide news, some months ago, a 17-year-old final-year student of Mfantsipim Senior High School in Cape Coast committed suicide.
The deceased has been identified as Emmanuel Arthur and was found in an unfinished building at Ola North, a suburb of Cape Coast.
Reports suggest he was found following a report made by a carpenter working at the site.
According to the Central Regional Police Command, officers responded to the report on June 11, 2026, and discovered the student’s remains.
The police disclosed that a search conducted at the scene led to the retrieval of a black backpack containing examination materials for a Geography Paper 1 mock examination paper bearing the name Emmanuel Arthur.
Police Investigators also recovered two mobile phones (an Android and a small ‘yam’ phone) and other personal belongings.
The Mfantsipim Senior High School subsequently confirmed the identity of the deceased, with his body released to the family after a pathologist at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.
Meanwhile, the Police investigations have established that the student died by suicide.
The news follows the death of Innocentia Avinu, a 20-year-old student of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), who had been reported missing and was found dead on a beach.
Reports suggest the level 200 UCC student was last seen on June 11, 2026, at the Ayensu Plaza Hostel on the UCC campus when she informed friends that she was leaving campus to meet an acquaintance outside the university community.
According to the information gathered, her family launched a search and appealed to the public for assistance; however, her dead body was discovered on June 12, 2026, at Hatchland Beach Resort, near the University of Cape Coast.
Eric-Sylvera Kwadzogah Avorgbedor, a cousin of the deceased, has since confirmed her death in an interview, revealing that the cause of death remains unknown.
“The cause of death is unknown for now. I think there is going to be an autopsy on Monday, so until then, we do not actually know what caused her death. Her body was found at Hatchland Beach,” he said.
@ghnow_ Members of Kristo Asafo sing praises in honour of their late Apostle, Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, as they mark his one-year anniversary. 🕊️🎶 #GHNow ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Family Pays Respect at the Tomb of Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
