It has been officially signed that the attempt to commit suicide should not be seen as a crime anymore, according to the amendments of the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960 in June 2023.
This is aimed at reflecting and growing recognition of the mental state the individuals may be in, and to ensure that such people who attempt to die by suicide will not face prosecution.
Details of this change was formally engraved in an official letter signed by Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela Boateng, underscoring the importance of the new directive, issued by Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo.
Weighing the pros and cons of the new ruling, the directive is one to be seen as a significant step towards reducing the stigma revolving people who suffer from mental health issues and try to end their lives themselves.
