Mr. Charles Adu-Gyamfi, a lecturer at the Dunkwa-On-Offin Nursing and Midwifery Training College, has raised concern over the rising cases of suicide in Ghana and the limited mental health support systems available. Speaking on Denkyiraman Radio’s National Agenda morning show on Monday, 8 September, he cited global statistics indicating that about 700,000 people die by suicide annually, describing it as a wake-up call for policymakers and communities. He emphasized that many individuals silently endure depression, stress, and trauma, often without the necessary help.
According to him, depression remains the leading cause of suicide, significantly altering brain chemistry and leaving individuals in a state where nothing excites them, regardless of humor or fun. He warned that sustained stress, societal pressures, and addictive behaviors such as gambling, drug use, and lottery obsession are worsening the situation, especially among the youth, pushing many into debt and despair. He described this trend as a “ticking time bomb” that must be addressed urgently.
Mr. Adu-Gyamfi called for the establishment of a structured national mental health and social support system to provide safe, stigma-free access to professional care. He urged families and communities to build strong support networks and normalize seeking help when overwhelmed. He further advised parents to prepare their children for life’s challenges, stressing that both positive and negative experiences are part of the journey. “Nothing good comes easy, just like gold, which must pass through fire to shine,” he concluded.
