WHO strengthens responsible suicide reporting to advance Ghana’s mental health agenda

The World Health Organization (WHO), together with the Association for Suicide Prevention Ghana (GASP), organised regional workshops to strengthen the capacity of media professionals in reporting responsibly and ethically on suicide and mental health issues. The trainings, held for 69 male and 21 female journalists in the southern, middle and northern belts of Ghana, align with WHO's global guidance on suicide prevention and risk communication, while also supporting Ghana's broader mental health reform agenda following the decriminalisation of attempted suicide.

Speaking to participants, Dr Leveana Gyimah, Technical Officer for Mental Health at WHO Ghana, underscored the importance of responsible communication in national suicide prevention efforts.

"Suicide prevention requires a whole-of-society approach. The media is a powerful partner in shaping understanding and influencing behaviour. When reporting is guided by evidence and empathy, it can reduce stigma, promote mental health literacy and encourage individuals to seek support. Responsible reporting is not just good journalism, it is a public health intervention", she said.

Suicide remains a major public health concern worldwide, and evidence shows that the way it is reported can influence behaviour, either increasing risk through sensationalism and stigma, or supporting prevention by promoting help-seeking and accurate information.

The workshops focused on the practical application of nationally adapted global tools, including the WHO resource for media professionals. These tools, the Ghana Guidelines for Appropriate Media Reporting of Suicide and the Ghana Suicide Reporting Scorecard are designed to improve the quality of suicide-related coverage, reduce harmful narratives and encourage the inclusion of support services in media stories.

Journalists were guided on adopting non-stigmatising language, protecting the dignity and privacy of individuals and families, avoiding graphic details and framing suicide as a preventable public health issue rather than a criminal or moral failing.

The trainings also highlighted the media's role in shaping public discourse and influencing vulnerable populations, particularly young people and individuals living with mental health conditions.

"Media plays a critical role in suicide prevention. How suicide is reported can either protect lives or put vulnerable individuals at risk. By adopting responsible, sensitive, and evidence-informed reporting practices, journalists can help reduce stigma, promote help-seeking, and contribute meaningfully to national mental health efforts",said Prof. E. Nii-Boye Quarshie, President of the Association for Suicide Prevention Ghana (GASP).

WHO Ghana continues to support the Ministry of Health and national stakeholders in strengthening mental health systems, promoting rights-based approaches and scaling up evidence-informed prevention strategies.

By investing in media capacity and promoting adherence to global best practice in suicide reporting , WHO and its partners are contributing to a safer information environment, one that protects vulnerable populations, supports families and advances Ghana's commitment to mental health and suicide prevention.