Judges and Magistrates nationwide have been officially informed that attempted suicide is no longer an offence.
In June 2023, Parliament amended the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 to decriminalise attempted suicide.
In this regard, individuals who attempt suicide are not to be prosecuted or convicted.
This was contained in a letter dated October 18, 2024, signed by the Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng.
Justice Koranteng noted that, the directive addressed to all circuit court judges and magistrates was from the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.
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.
