Mr Sylvester Basagnia, the Upper West Regional Mental Coordinator, has lauded the repeal of the legislation that criminalized attempted suicide.
He said the mental health fraternity found the news refreshing and a step in the positive direction.
He said it is unheard of for an individual to want to kill herself or himself but that situations mostly drive them into doing so.
He, thus, said such individuals need help if they failed in the process but are not to be punished as was the case.
Mr Basagnia said this on Info Radio’s morning conversation, Zienyaaye Upper West with host Simon Bazaara on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
On Tuesday, March 28, the Parliament of Ghana voted to amend sections of the Criminal Offences Act of 1960, which criminalized attempted suicide.
Mr Basagnia said the repeal of the law would help to reduce the number of suicide cases in society.
He observed people, having cultivated the thought of suicide, often strive to commit or succeed in the act for fear of being caught by the law if they failed and are found out.
He said now people would not panic about being jailed if they change their minds about committing suicide, hence would translate into a reduction in cases of suicide.
Mr Basagnia added that the decriminalization of attempted suicide would also help do away with stigmatization, which was also another driver of suicide among people.
He said it would also prick others’ consciences to offer support to people who demonstrate signs of suicidal ideations.
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