The Parliament of Ghana has been commended for the repeal of Attempted Suicide which hitherto was a criminal offence under the laws of Ghana.
Section 57(2) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) made an attempt to commit suicide a misdemeanour, but that has since been repealed.
It is in this light that advocacy group, Proactive Ghana, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, commends all stakeholders including the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Health and affiliate institutions and agencies and Parliament for the instrumental roles they play in addressing mental health issues.
“Proactive Ghana is grateful to all those who provide invaluable services in support of mental health wellbeing in Ghana.
“We particularly acknowledge the work of all mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychoanalysts, psychiatric nurses, social workers and professional counsellors.
“Proactive Ghana is also grateful to our Parliament of Ghana for repealing the law on suicide,” a statement signed by the Executive Director of Proactive Ghana, Theophilus Dzimega, reads.
He acknowledges there is the need for all to have access to mental health care, as such, his organisation is charting the path in that regard.
“As we mark World Mental Health Day today, Proactive Ghana urges all Ghanaians to use this opportunity to raise awareness on the silent impact of mental health on us as a people. It is time we all embrace the reality of the impact of mental health on us as individuals and as a society. Proactive Ghana is making efforts to get everyone to access the mental health care we need,” the statement reads in parts.
“We are working with individuals and partners to provide education, psychological support and other forms of assistance in addressing the mental health needs of people in our society,” it added.
SOURCE: 3NEWS