Duayaw-nkwanta: Dr Freda Prempeh, a former parliamentarian, has called on families to amicably resolve their issues to prevent the emergence of suicidal thoughts within marriages, as the world observes the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).
According to Ghana News Agency, the WSPD, observed annually on 10 September, aims to foster global commitment and action to prevent suicides. Since its inception in 2003, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) has collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to host this awareness day.
Dr Prempeh highlighted that unresolved marital and family issues, relationship troubles, financial difficulties, and depression often lead to suicidal ideations. She urged spouses to seek marital counseling to address these challenges. Speaking at Duayaw-Nkwanta, Dr Prempeh, who previously represented the Tano North Constituency in the Ahafo Region, emphasized that depression and harassment within families are significant contributors to suicides and advised couples to communicate openly and manage stress collectively.
Expressing concern over the increasing unemployment rate in the country, she noted that unemployed individuals frequently perceive themselves as hopeless and helpless. As the Founder and CEO of the Ultimate Women Foundation (UWF), Dr Prempeh called on the government to create job opportunities, particularly for young women, to empower them financially and enable them to support their families.
Dr Prempeh explained that the UWF, a women-focused non-governmental organization, aims to encourage and motivate indigenous and vulnerable women and girls to recognize their worth and empower them to contribute meaningfully to society. She pointed out that marital problems often arise from financial difficulties when one spouse is unemployed, causing significant emotional distress for many women.
“Marital problems emanating from financial difficulties and childlessness often result in human rights abuses and harassment, contributing to suicidal thoughts,” Dr Prempeh stated. She reiterated the foundation’s commitment to addressing barriers that hinder the holistic development of women and girls, promoting their dignity, and empowering them to become self-reliant.
Dr Prempeh stressed the need for government support to help indigenous women enhance their economic status and provide for their families, creating happier homes.