Attempted Suicide No Longer an Offence – Chief Justice to Judges
Kenneth Ashong 
Judges and Magistrates in the country have been officially notified that attempted suicide has been decriminalized and is no longer an offense.
Chief Justice, Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo in a memo to the judges through the Judicial Secretary said, “Persons who attempt suicide are no longer liable for prosecution and or conviction.”
Through a circular signed by Justice Cyra Pamela C.A. Koranteng, the Judicial Secretary on October 18, 2024, the Chief Justice informed the judges and magistrates about the amendment of the Criminal Offences Act.
“I have been directed by the Honourable Lady Chief Justice to notify all Circuit Court Judges and Magistrates that attempted suicide has been decriminalized by the Criminal Offences Amendment Act, 2023 (Act 1092).
“She has further directed me to inform you that, with the amendment of Section 57 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and Section 95 of the Mental Health Act, 2012 (Act 946) b Act 1092, persons who attempt suicide are no longer liable for prosecution and or conviction,” the Circular stated.
A copy of the circular is below.
