Editorial
Let’s do our part to stop suicide attempts
Urgent action is needed to stop suicide attempts because suicide poses major public health risks and have long-lasting social, emotional, mental, physical, and economic effects.
Suicide refers to taking one’s own life. People may use it as a means of escaping pain or misery.
Research indicates that for those aged 10 to 34, suicide is the second most common cause of death, and for those aged 35 to 54, it is the fourth most common.
In light of this, immediate action is needed to guarantee that suicide mortality rates are lowered.
This September, as the world observes National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, The Spectator wishes to appeal to all individuals and organisations across the nation to raise awareness of the issue of suicide and promote its prevention.
Last Sunday, was World Suicide Prevention Day. The theme was “Creating Hope Through Action.”
The rate of suicide attempts is disturbing. Now children are included in addition to the teens. There is an urgent need to address suicide.
Suicide can be linked to a high unemployment rate that creates financial difficulties, poverty, neglect, and major health issues.
Due to the high divorce rate in society today, marital dissolution could possibly be linked to suicide.
A number of mental health issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and emotional stress, have been linked to a higher risk of suicide. According to research, 46 percent of suicide victims had a diagnosable mental health issue.
The Spectator urges all to come onboard to address this issue as suicidal thoughts can afflict everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
Governmental and non-governmental organisations must strengthen their support systems, particularly for people who have attempted suicide, in order to prevent future occurrence.
A woman who had tried suicide described how she had suicidal thoughts and believed that was her only option. She suggested that there should be separate rooms for doctors sharing consulting rooms as patients do not feel comfortable discussing problems while visiting the hospital.
To help families manage people who are at danger of suicidal behaviours, healthcare officials should educate the public on coping and problem-solving techniques.
Another crucial area that requires attention from policymakers is the improvement of access to and delivery of suicide care.
Individuals who display violent behaviour, mood swings, increased alcohol and drug use, and withdrawal from friends, family, and the community must be recognised and given support by their families and communities.
Some families have lost loved ones to suicide. No one is safe, that is why we need to raise awareness, advocate for alternatives to suicidal acts, and provide support for those who survived.
Dear Editor,
It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.
In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.
In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.
While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.
I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.
Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.
However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.
While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.
As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.
From Syram
Oyarifa
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern and call for improved security measures before and after every football match.
The recent robbery attack that led to the tragic death of a player, on their return from a Match day 29 game against Samartex, is both shocking and heartbreaking.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m., highlights the growing risks faced by players and team officials while traveling.
Football is meant to unite and entertain, not to expose lives to danger. It is therefore imperative that authorities, the Ghana Football Association, and security agencies put in place adequate protection for teams, especially during late-night travels.
I strongly urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring.
From Eugene Ampiaw
Accra
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