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In a landmark move, the Ghanaian Parliament has voted to decriminalize attempted suicide. The decision comes after years of campaigning by mental health advocates and organizations who argued that criminalizing suicide attempts only added to the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Under the previous law, anyone who attempted suicide in Ghana could be sentenced to up to one year in jail. This discouraged people from seeking help for their mental health problems; and punished them for a cry for help.
The new law, passed by unanimous vote in Parliament, removes the criminal penalty for attempted suicide and instead focuses on providing support and treatment for those struggling with mental health issues.
“This is a major step forward for mental health in Ghana,” said Dr. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, a mental health advocate campaigning to decriminalize suicide attempts. “It shows that mental health is an issue that needs to be addressed with compassion and support, not punishment.”
Mental health experts and organizations across Ghana and beyond have welcomed the move. Many hope it will lead to a greater focus on mental health in Ghana, and encouraged other countries in the region to do the same.
However, some critics have argued that decriminalizing suicide attempts could lead to an increase in such attempts. They say that people who know that they will not be punished for attempting suicide may be more likely to do so.
But mental health advocates counter that argument by pointing out that most people who attempt suicide are not doing so because they want to break the law. Instead, they struggle with deep emotional pain and need help and support.
Decriminalizing attempted suicide is a significant step forward for mental health in Ghana and a reminder of the importance of treating mental health issues with compassion and understanding.
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Source:Omanghana.com/SP
