Hot!
Mental Health Authority urges parliament to fast-track repeal of attempted suicide law
Dr. Akwasi Osei – CEO Mental Health Authority
In line with the advocacy against suicide, the Mental Health Authority has asked the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament to speed up processes to ensure the law criminalising attempted suicide is repealed from the country’s criminal code.
It said a private member’s bill sponsored by the chairman of the committee was yet to be discussed on the floor of the House hence the reminder to members on the need to take action on the bill.
In a statement to commemorate this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day which fell on September 10, 2022, the authority maintained that individuals who attempted suicide must not be punished by the law because such persons had “cried for help and we failed them.”
It said, in most cases, people who attempted suicide exhibited behaviours or expressed thoughts that were indicative of the action they intended to pursue and would have “appreciated some help to prevent them from killing themselves.”
“These individuals have cried to us for help, and we failed them. They took action to kill themselves and thank God they survived. Must we punish them when we rather failed them? Definitely not!” The authority argued.
Expressing concern over the “painful and far too high” incidence of suicide cases in the country, the statement urged the public to take note of warning signs of suicide and help provide the needed support to persons with suicide tendencies.
It highlighted some of the “major warning signs” which include openly expressing the intention to kill oneself, withdrawal from family, friends, and society, and “expression of no sense of purpose in life or in continuing to live.”
“They may engage in painting, writing, talking about death, expressing hopelessness and finding ways to kill themselves, they may look for poisonous substances, among others. These are simple notifiable warning signs that signify a cry for help, and we must promptly act to help.
“They may be seen sighing too often, suddenly arranging things in order or instructing how to take care of dependants or express a desire to travel without knowing when they will return,” it added.
According to the authority, “no one needs to die by suicide,” hence the need to take every opportunity to learn about suicide and seek professional help for people in distress.
“A visit to a psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor and to a medical facility is a source of help. As a matter of fact, even in the last seconds, a conversation with the right person is able to convince the individual to rescind their decision,” it noted.
The authority again urged organisations to “protect their important human resource by promoting and integrating mental health interventions in their work culture because all workers are at risk of experiencing some mental health challenges at some point in time.”
The MHA commended telecommunication companies for providing support and encouraged individuals contemplating suicide to “kindly postpone such action” and get help or call any of the helplines available on the internet.
By Spectator Reporter
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
Hot!
Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
