By Napoleon Ato Kittoe, GBC
The action he took in a morbid fear of life at mature stages of his life became the odds against height and water. In displaying brave defiance of the dangers inherent in two of life’s supports, he jumped to his death from the Sogakope bridge into the river underneath. This is a clear case of suicide, but it is not known who first reported the incident. Was it a local pedestrian, a motorist, a tourist, or a fisherman who chanced on the wrong action at the right time? Anyone who knows the deceased should contact the Sogakope Police immediately.
The Ghana Statistical Service, GSS, reported this year that more than 800 suicide cases were recorded in a relatively short period of time. Whilst the statistical relativities are not immediately known, the information at first is quite staggering and alarming. The Mental Health Authority would be a key player in causing a reversal of the trend that is ignominious. Ghana’s Supreme Court recently moved to decriminalise attempted suicide, with the Chief Justice saying the phenomenon ought to be treated as a mental health issue for which the victims require assistance to overcome any psychological handicaps thereof. The philosophers also provide insights into wise living.
The maxim of the famous Greek, Socrates, is a powerful reminder for people. He said, “The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in having more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” In 15 years to come or less, some personal effects acquired by humans would be disused and go into the dustbin. What then can be our extended sources of happiness from the point Socrates ended?
The arts, informal learning, viewing nature, getting more insight into life from the religious texts such as the Bible and the Qu’ran, helping others no matter how small, and a good spouse.
Quiet living is also a boon to life, especially if you have hobbies. The beginnings of self-employment look challenging, but seeing the success stories of others, one must never be daunted. Being alive is the rarest of all opportunities. To paraphrase what the 40th US President Ronald Reagan said, it is a fact that those who suggest abortion are the living, they were not aborted.