The Office of the Judicial Secretary has officially informed Circuit Court Judges and Magistrates across Ghana that attempted suicide has been decriminalized following the passage of the Criminal Offences Amendment Act, 2023 (Act 1092).
In a notice dated October 18, 2024, and signed by Judicial Secretary Justice Cyra Pamela C. A. Koranteng, the Honourable Lady Chief Justice directed that all judges and magistrates take note of the amendment, which repeals Section 57 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1950 (Act 29) and Section 95 of the Mental Health Act, 2012 (Act 846).
As a result, persons who attempt suicide will no longer be liable for prosecution or conviction in Ghana.
This landmark decision follows growing advocacy by mental health professionals and human rights activists, who have long argued that criminalizing attempted suicide worsens the mental health crisis in the country.
The Judicial Secretary stated the need for judges and magistrates to comply with the new law, as the decriminalization marks a significant shift in how the judicial system handles cases related to mental health.
The decriminalization is expected to lead to more humane treatment of individuals suffering from mental health challenges, ensuring they receive medical care and support rather than being treated as criminals.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
