Attempted suicide not criminal - Judicial Service affirms

The Judicial Service has reminded all judges and magistrates that attempted suicide is no longer an offence and that individuals who attempt suicide are not to be prosecuted or convicted.

In a letter dated October 18, 2024, signed by the Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng, and addressed to all circuit court judges and magistrates, they were reminded about the decriminalisation of attempted suicide by the Criminal Offences Amendment Act of 2023.

The notice pertains to the amendment of Section 57 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 95 of the Mental Health Act, 2012 (Act 546) through Act 1092.

“Circuit Court judges and magistrates are to take note for compliance,” it added.

Background
In June 2023, Parliament amended the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 to decriminalise attempted suicide.

As a result of these changes, individuals who attempt suicide will be treated as requiring mental health support rather than being subject to imprisonment under the law.