The Mental Health Authority (MHA) has marked World Suicide Prevention Day with a call to “change the narrative” around suicide in Ghana, as the nation continues to grapple with rising cases and persistent stigma.

At a press conference held under the theme “Changing the Narrative of Suicide in Ghana,” the Authority revealed that 41 people died by suicide in the first half of 2025, while many more attempted to take their own lives.

Despite Ghana’s decriminalisation of suicide in March 2023, stigma remains a major barrier to prevention, often silencing those in need of help.

Josephine Stiles Darko, Deputy Head of Communications at the MHA, urged Ghanaians to seek support and not suffer in silence.

She highlighted the availability of the national suicide helpline — 0800 678 678 — which operates 24/7 to provide confidential assistance.

“We need to change the way we talk about suicide.

Seeking help is not a weakness; it is a step toward healing,” she stressed.

The Authority is working to integrate mental health services into primary health care facilities across the country, aiming to make support more accessible, particularly in underserved areas.

While the shortage of mental health professionals remains a challenge, innovative approaches are being explored to ensure that limited expertise is distributed effectively across different jurisdictions.

The MHA reiterated its commitment to working with the Ghana Health Service and other partners to expand mental health care nationwide.

Citizens struggling with mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts were strongly encouraged to reach out for help.