The former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Mental Health Authority, Professor Akwesi Osei has called on the media to be cautious in reporting issues on suicide since the report can influence others to commit the same act.

According to Professor Osei, individuals who already have the ideation will act on a media report resulting in the loss of human lives. “This is what is termed as the Copy Cat Suicide”, he added.

He cited a situation in 2017 when the media carried out a report on a university student who committed suicide which triggered the act on other campuses.

Professor Osei encouraged the media to use their platforms to educate the public on the decriminalization of suicide in Ghana and the need for people to come out to seek help if anyone has mental health challenges.

He applauded all the stakeholders whose efforts led to the decriminalization of suicide in the law books.

The former Ghana Mental Health Authority C.E.O. made the call at an International Seminar organized by the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation on the theme “Celebrating Suicide Prevention Day, Changing the Narrative: The role of Stakeholders in Preventing Suicide Attempt and Suicide” to mark the World Suicide Preventive Day in Accra.

The World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is a day set aside to raise awareness around the world that suicide can be prevented. This initiative is led by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Stakeholders including representatives from the Judicial Service, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, Church Leaders, individuals from academia and the media acknowledged the need to intensify education on the decriminalization of suicide in the country and create mental health platforms to allow people facing these challenges to seek immediate support.  

On his part, the founder and Chief Executive Officer for the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, Dr. Emmanuel Hopeson said that the Centre has extended its training programme to children from 6 year old and above to enable them address some of the mental health challenges that are faced by children.

He said that this targeted training is aimed at identifying the mental health issues at the early stages in their lives and addressing it before they become adults.

Source: SonShinne News/ Isaac Ametepe  

39 thoughts on “Media urged to be circumspect in reporting issues on suicide – Prof. Akwesi Osei

  1. Michael Okang says:

    This is a very important issue that needs to be addressed. The media has a significant influence on society, and sensationalizing suicide reports can have devastating consequences. I appreciate Professor Akwesi Osei’s call to action for responsible reporting and education on mental health. It’s crucial to create a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help without fear of stigma or judgment. The initiative by the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation to extend training programs to children is also commendable. Early intervention and awareness can make a significant difference in preventing mental health issues from escalating. Let’s work together to create a society that prioritizes mental wellness and supports those struggling.

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