Accra: Professor Nii-Boye Quarshie, President of the Association for Suicide Prevention Ghana, has advised journalists against using sensational and inappropriate language when reporting on suicide-related issues. He emphasized that such practices could cause harm and trigger copycat behavior.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Quarshie highlighted the potential for unguided and insensitive language in suicide reportage to traumatize bereaved families and friends, while also increasing the risk of imitation and other harmful behaviors. He made these remarks at a capacity-building workshop on appropriate media reporting on suicide in Ghana. The workshop was organized by the Association for Suicide Prevention Ghana, in collaboration with the Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Research Lab of the Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana.
Professor Quarshie, who is also a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities, University of Ghana, urged journalists to avoid criminalizing language that portrays suicide as a crime or moral failing. He advised, "Do not use sensational language in your headlines, and as much as possible avoid using the word 'suicide' in headlines except where the story is about suicide prevention."
He further cautioned against describing suicide as 'successful,' 'unsuccessful,' or a 'failed attempt,' noting that such expressions are harmful, misleading, and inappropriate. The workshop brought together selected journalists, radio hosts, editors, and reporters from Northern Ghana, aiming to strengthen their capacity to apply the Ghana Guidelines for Appropriate Media Reporting on Suicide and the Ghana Suicide Reporting Scorecard to promote responsible reporting and reduce suicide risk.
Professor Quarshie emphasized the importance of caution and sensitivity when interviewing bereaved families, loved ones, and friends, highlighting the need for circumspection in such engagements. He advised journalists to handle murder and suicide cases with care, noting that the circumstances surrounding such incidents can be disturbing and must be reported strictly in line with established media guidelines on suicide reporting.
Mr. Ohemeng Tawiah, a journalist with the Multimedia Group, facilitated a session on ethical reporting on suicide, urging journalists to shun sensationalism and adhere to the ethics of the media profession. He stated that ethical and responsible reporting would help create awareness and contribute to efforts to minimize suicide cases in the country.
Ms. Walkiyatu Issahaku, a journalist with Tamale-based Fila FM, praised the workshop, saying it exposed participants to timely data and information that would enhance their reportage on suicide-related issues.