To mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, Ghana brought together the Mental Health Authority, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ghana Health Service, the Association for Suicide Prevention Ghana and other partners to strengthen national action on suicide prevention. During this meeting,
Ghana launched two new resources to strengthen evidence-based suicide prevention.
- The Guidelines for Appropriate Media Reporting of Suicide offer clear direction for accurate, responsible and sensitive coverage of suicide. They aim to reduce stigma and support suicide prevention by encouraging media professionals to communicate about suicide in ways that are safe and respectful.
- The newly released publication Evidence Generation for Suicide Prevention: A Situational Analysis, examines the evidence, data and systems currently available to support suicide prevention in Ghana. It identifies gaps and opportunities to strengthen evidence-informed policy and prevention efforts.
Together, these activities reflect a broader effort to strengthen suicide prevention in Ghana, improve awareness about suicide and ensure mental health support is made available for people who need services.
Suicide remains a major public health challenge, claiming more than 720,000 lives globally each year. World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to challenge stigma, encourage open and responsible conversations about suicide, and strengthen collective action to save lives.
Under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, Ghana’s activities highlight the importance of combining stronger evidence, responsible communication, stakeholder participation and accessible mental health support as the country develops its national approach to suicide prevention.
Further reading