Ghana records 40% surge in suicide-related deaths in 2024

Ghana recorded a 40 per cent increase in suicide-related deaths in 2024, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority (MHA), Dr Eugene Dordoye.

Speaking at the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 in Accra on Wednesday, September 10, Dr Dordoye attributed the rise primarily to cases among young people.

This year’s event was held under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide After Decriminalisation.”

“In 2023, about 134 suicide deaths were reported. But for every life lost, there are typically three to five times more suicide attempts, and each attempt can affect up to 10 people,” Dr Dordoye stated.

He cautioned that the growing numbers not only reflect a public health crisis but also pose a serious economic concern, as many of the deceased were young individuals with significant potential to contribute to Ghana’s economy.

While acknowledging that improved awareness and reporting may partly explain the increase, Dr Dordoye emphasized that there is clear evidence of a genuine rise in suicide deaths.

“Unfortunately, we witnessed up to a 40 per cent increase in 2024. While part of this may be due to better reporting, we believe a real surge has occurred. The bigger issue is: what are we doing about it? Suicide is a preventable cause of death—we cannot afford to keep losing lives this way,” he stressed.

Dr Dordoye called for urgent policy action, increased investment in mental health services, and expanded community-level awareness campaigns to combat stigma and encourage early help-seeking.

The event brought together mental health professionals, civil society organisations, students, and survivors—all of whom pledged support for nationwide advocacy to address the growing suicide crisis in Ghana.