Tackling Suicide in Ghana: Lessons from Duayaw Nkwanta and Beyond
The tragic death of Sergeant Korankye Brown who allegedly took his own life inside the charge office of Duayaw Nkwanta police station serves as a haunting case study. Unconfirmed reports suggest a heated argument with his wife preceded the incident, underscoring how personal turmoil can escalate when emotional distress is left unaddressed. Though investigations continue and official statements remain pending, the case highlights the urgent need for mental health support within law enforcement and among those in high-stress professions.
Another incident that shook the nation involved a schoolgirl who tragically ended her life in her school’s dining hall. Though details are sparse, such cases involving young people particularly students call attention to distress signals often hidden in plain sight. Both examples remind us that suicide is not limited to one demographic; it spans age, occupation, and social roles, demanding a broadened lens of attention and prevention.
National statistics reveal a stark and worsening trend. In the first half of 2024, Ghana recorded 81 completed suicides and 543 attempts already exceeding the total of 48 deaths and 594 attempts recorded in all of 2023 . Economic hardship, job insecurity, relationship issues, and gambling have emerged as key risk factors, particularly among individuals aged 15 to 29 . Locally, areas like Upper Denkyira East recorded 115 suicide attempts within 2024 alone, linked directly to rising living costs and interpersonal stress . While 2025-specific national data is limited, mental health authorities continue warning of increasing cases, urging immediate and coordinated action .
To stem this rising tide, Ghana must champion actionable, multi-level interventions:
1. De‐stigmatize mental health and encourage help-seeking especially now that attempted suicide is no longer criminalized under the amended Criminal Offences Act .
2. Integrate mental wellness into schools, workplaces, and security institutions particularly through training in early warning signs and confidential support systems.
3. Expand access to counseling, especially via community-based health posts (CHPS), and invest in data systems to track trends accurately .
4. Launch targeted campaigns to educate families, clergy, educators, and leaders to respond compassionately to signs of distress.
Ultimately, the deaths of individuals like Sergeant Korankye Brown and the unnamed schoolgirl are not isolated tragedies they are symptomatic of broader systemic and societal failings. As social workers, educators, health professionals, policymakers, and citizens, we must channel empathy into action. Let us unite to cultivate a Ghana where help is accessible, stigma is dismantled, and every life is valued.
Signed
William Boadi
Executive Director of Educate Africa Institute EAI Educationist Political analyst and Social Worker.
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EAI: Education and Social Justice.