Prampram: Madam Patience Ami Mamattah, the Ningo-Prampram Municipal Health Director, has called on the public to be vigilant in recognizing suicidal tendencies among their relatives, friends, and associates to help curb the increasing number of suicide attempts.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Mamattah emphasized the importance of family members, church communities, and local leaders being attentive to behavioral changes in those around them and encouraging individuals exhibiting such signs to seek professional assistance. She made these remarks during an interview at Prampram, highlighting the availability of trained health professionals in the municipality to address such issues, with early intervention being crucial to saving lives.
Madam Mamattah identified several warning signs of potential suicidal tendencies, which include mood swings, persistent sadness, feelings of emptiness and hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, reduced appetite, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Additional indicators comprise irritability, excessive guilt, and withdrawal from social interactions.
Data from the health directorate revealed a significant increase in attempted suicide cases, with 97 incidents recorded in 2025, compared to 10 cases in 2024 and five in 2023. Discussing the issue of depression, Madam Mamattah reported 364 cases in 2025, a stark rise from 26 in 2024 and 11 in 2023. Of the 2025 cases, 130 were from Prampram, 14 from Old Ningo, 28 from Nyigbenya-Dawa, 119 from Dawhenya, and 73 from Afienya Mataheko.
Madam Mamattah attributed the sharp increase in reported cases primarily to the introduction of population-level mental health screening in the municipality in 2025. She stated, "I do not think the increase is out of place because until last year we were not screening at the population level. We started the screening in 2025, which explains the higher figures."
She stressed that continuing the screening program is essential to establishing a clearer understanding of the mental health landscape in the municipality. Madam Mamattah urged residents to prioritize mental health issues and seek professional guidance when needed.