Level 100 UEW student commits suicide after discovering girlfriend’s cheating on him with another guy.

 

The X post reports a tragic incident at the University of Education, Winneba, where a level 100 student committed suicide after discovering his girlfriend was cheating, highlighting the severe emotional impact of relationship issues on young adults in Ghana.

On April 17, 2025, a heartbreaking incident shook the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), and the broader Ghanaian community. A first-year Arts Education student, identified as Khon Void, took his own life in GUSS Hall after discovering his girlfriend’s infidelity. The news, shared via a post on X by IndosTv (

@IndosTv_

), has sparked conversations about the often-ignored mental health challenges faced by young adults in Ghana, the cultural barriers to addressing these issues, and the urgent need for systemic change.

The Incident: A Young Life Lost to Emotional Trauma

According to the post, Khon Void, a Level 100 student, was unable to cope with the emotional pain of his girlfriend’s betrayal. Reports indicate that he fainted upon learning of the infidelity while visiting her hostel room. After being brought back to his hostel, he tragically hanged himself the following day. This devastating event underscores the profound impact that relationship issues can have on young adults, particularly in the high-pressure environment of university life.

The X post, accompanied by a photo of the young man and a screenshot of a conversation detailing the incident, paints a grim picture of a student overwhelmed by emotional distress. Comments from users like

@KING_AGYEBOAT

highlight the broader societal context: “Mental health is trivialized in this country… Women can hurt men deeply.” This sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the emotional struggles men face, often in silence, due to societal expectations and stigma.

The Bigger Picture: Mental Health Challenges in Ghana

This tragedy is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a larger, systemic issue in Ghana— the neglect of mental health, particularly among adolescents and young adults. A study published in PLOS One (web ID: 0) reveals that school-going adolescents in Ghana are highly vulnerable to mental health difficulties (MHDs). Economic hardship, academic pressure, and social factors disproportionately affect students from low-income families, increasing their risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The study notes that students who perceive their academic performance as poor or face intense parental pressure to excel are particularly susceptible to mental health challenges.

Moreover, the International Journal of Culture and Mental Health (web ID: 1) highlights a cultural barrier that exacerbates the crisis: mental illness in Ghana is often stigmatized and viewed through a supernatural lens rather than a medical one. Many Ghanaians attribute mental struggles to spiritual causes, which discourages individuals from seeking professional help and perpetuates discrimination against those suffering. This cultural perspective, combined with a lack of government attention and policy support, leaves young people like Khon Void with little access to the resources they need during moments of crisis.

The Statistics: A Growing Public Health Concern

The scale of the mental health crisis in Ghana is alarming. According to a report from the Mental Health Authority of Ghana (web ID: 2), approximately 1,500 suicide cases are reported annually in the country, with an estimated 6,000 unreported cases. Globally, suicide remains the second leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds, with 78% of these cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana. The report also identifies key triggers for suicide, including financial difficulties, relationship breakups, chronic pain, and emotional distress— factors that likely contributed to Khon Void’s tragic decision.

The lack of reliable data on suicide in Ghana, as noted in the same report, further complicates efforts to address the issue. Without comprehensive statistics, it’s challenging to develop targeted interventions or allocate resources effectively. Additionally, the World Health Organization’s Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) (web ID: 3) reveals that Ghana’s mental health infrastructure is severely under-resourced. In 2011, the country had only one day treatment facility for mental health patients, located in the Western Region, and just 40% of outpatient facilities had consistent access to psychotropic medications. While initiatives like The Kintampo Project aim to train more community mental health professionals, the gap between need and availability remains vast.

The Cultural Stigma: A Barrier to Healing

In Ghana, mental health is not only underfunded but also deeply stigmatized. The International Journal of Culture and Mental Health study emphasizes that mental illness is often seen as a religious or supernatural issue rather than a medical condition. This belief system shapes how individuals and communities respond to mental health challenges, often leading to shame and isolation for those who are struggling. For young men like Khon Void, societal expectations of masculinity further compound the problem. Men are often discouraged from expressing vulnerability or seeking help, leaving them to grapple with their pain in silence.

The X user

@KING_AGYEBOAT

poignantly notes, “Men normally can’t explain or express their pain… I’m sure the pain had been going on for a while, till this last straw.” This observation aligns with research showing that emotional trauma, particularly from romantic relationships, can have a profound impact on mental health. High-profile cases in Ghana, such as those of celebrities Medikal and Funny Face, have brought attention to the deep hurt men can experience, yet societal attitudes remain slow to change.

What Can Be Done? A Call for Action

The tragedy at UEW is a stark reminder that mental health cannot continue to be sidelined in Ghana. Here are some actionable steps that could help prevent future losses:

1. Increase Access to Mental Health Services: The government must prioritize mental health by investing in more facilities, training professionals, and ensuring the availability of psychotropic medications. Community-based initiatives like the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) program, as discussed in PMC (web ID: 2), could play a pivotal role in early detection and intervention for at-risk individuals.
2. Combat Stigma Through Education: Public awareness campaigns can help shift cultural perceptions of mental health, emphasizing that it is a medical issue, not a spiritual failing. Schools and universities should integrate mental health education into their curricula to equip students with coping mechanisms and knowledge about available resources.
3. Create Support Systems in Universities: Universities like UEW must establish robust counseling services and peer support groups to help students navigate the emotional challenges of young adulthood. Faculty and staff should also be trained to recognize signs of distress and provide appropriate referrals.
4. Encourage Open Conversations About Mental Health: Breaking the silence around mental health, particularly for men, is crucial. Community leaders, influencers, and media outlets can play a role in normalizing discussions about emotional well-being and encouraging help-seeking behavior.
5. Leverage Technology for Outreach: Platforms like X can be powerful tools for raising awareness and connecting individuals with resources. Organizations and mental health advocates can use social media to share stories, provide support, and direct people to helplines or counseling services.

A Plea for Compassion and Change

Khon Void’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the silent crisis unfolding in Ghana. His pain, though deeply personal, reflects a broader societal failure to address mental health with the seriousness it deserves. As a community, we must honor his memory by advocating for change— by creating a culture where young people feel safe to express their struggles, seek help, and heal.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, please reach out for support. In Ghana, organizations like the Mental Health Authority and initiatives like The Kintampo Project are working to provide assistance. Let’s work together to ensure that no more lives are lost to the stigma and silence surrounding mental health.

Rest well, Khon Void. Your story will not be forgotten, and it will inspire us to do better.