A social commentator and broadcast journalist, Fritz Delanyo Amegashie, has expressed concern over what he describes as growing mental health challenges and declining tolerance levels in the country following reports of a landlord allegedly stabbing a tenant to death.
Speaking on ABC In The Morning, Mr. Amegashie said the incident highlights the urgent need for greater attention to mental health issues and peaceful conflict resolution in society.
“The mental health excesses in the country is worrying,” he stated, stressing that many people are struggling emotionally and psychologically without seeking professional help.
He also lamented what he sees as increasing intolerance among citizens despite Ghana’s democratic environment.
“We are beginning to lose tolerance whilst in a democratic country,” he said.
According to him, individuals should be able to express their opinions or grievances peacefully without resorting to violence.
“You can say your piece and live with your peace,” he advised.
Mr. Amegashie further encouraged the public not to stigmatize mental health care, urging people experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties to seek professional support.
“Don’t feel shy about meeting a mental health practitioner; you’re not mad,” he emphasized.
His remarks come after reports of a landlord allegedly stabbing his tenant to death over a GH¢30 electricity bill at Medie Ketewa.
The deceased, identified as 37-year-old Opoku Agyemang, was reportedly stabbed to death during an argument with his landlord, Kofi Koranteng, on Tuesday.
According to reports, Opoku, a married man with three children, allegedly owed his landlord GH¢30 in electricity bills.
Sources within the community say the two men were not only in a landlord-tenant relationship but were also close friends and long-time work colleagues, making the incident even more disturbing to residents.
Eyewitnesses said it remains unclear what exactly triggered the heated confrontation over the unpaid bill.
An eyewitness, Enoch Idan Danquah, said the landlord was unhappy with the way Opoku handled payment of the electricity bills and invited him into his room to discuss the matter.
However, the discussion reportedly turned violent after the landlord allegedly pulled out a machete and stabbed Opoku multiple times.
The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Kofi Koranteng, who is said to have five children, reportedly fled the scene after the incident.
The matter has since been reported to the police, while officers from the Kotoku Police Command have conveyed the body to the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
