ATTEMPTED SUICIDE MUST BE DECRIMINALIZED - PSYCHOLOGIST

The Executive Director of Juniper Counseling Centre, Dr Joseline Fugar has suggested that attempted suicide should be decriminalized in Ghana.
She explained people commit or attempt to commit suicide because of social, emotional and psychological stress that some they go through.
Dr. Fugar says such persons rather need sympathy and psychological care instead of punishment.
She emphasized that arresting those who commit suicide has increased suicide cases in the country.
Dr Joseline Fugar reiterated that if suicide is decriminalized people who want to do so may seek immediate mental assistance.
She said that in the United States psychologists assist people who try to commit suicide unsuccessfully adding this measure has helped to reduce suicide cases.
But a Psychologist at the University of Ghana, Joseph Osafo says amending the law on suicide will influence people to commit suicide.
He explains arresting people who commit suicide is the best way in reducing suicide cases in the country.
Joseph Osafo says suicide infringes on the customs and conventions in the African setting therefore decriminalizing it will not solve the problem.

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