Here’s a heartbreaking reality that demands our attention: a young life has been lost in a tragedy that raises urgent questions about mental health awareness in schools. On Tuesday, 18 November 2025, Abass, a Form Three student at Islamic Senior High School in Kumasi, died after falling from the top floor of the school’s administration building. This incident, which occurred during school hours, has left the community in shock and mourning. Abass, a Business student and the acting Boys’ Prefect, was a well-known figure among his peers, making his sudden passing even more devastating.
But here’s where it gets even more heartbreaking: sources within the school reveal that Abass had been grappling with suicidal thoughts for some time. Despite this, the school administration claims they were unaware of his struggles. This raises a critical question: How can we better support students who may be silently battling mental health issues?
After the fall, Abass was rushed to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, but tragically, he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has since been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic traditions, leaving his family and friends to grapple with the loss.
And this is the part most people miss: family members, including his mother and uncle, along with some students, shared that Abass had previously spoken about harming himself. However, these remarks were brushed off as jokes and not taken seriously. This highlights a glaring gap in our collective ability to recognize and address cries for help, especially among young people.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for open conversations about emotional well-being. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Are we doing enough to create safe spaces for students to express their struggles without fear of judgment or dismissal? Let’s use this moment to reflect, discuss, and take action. Share your thoughts in the comments—your perspective could spark a much-needed change.
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