28-Year-Old British-Ghanaian Artist Seeks Euthanasia in the Netherlands Due to Mental Health Struggles

A 28-year-old British-Ghanaian artist, Joseph Awuah-Darko, has applied for euthanasia in the Netherlands after years of battling bipolar disorder. He announced his decision in an emotional video, stating that he has spent five years contemplating the choice before submitting a request to the Euthanasia Expert Centre. Approval for the procedure could take up to four years.

Awuah-Darko has openly shared his struggles with mental illness, describing the severe pain he experiences daily. In a social media post, he expressed that while life itself is valuable, the weight of his personal suffering has become unbearable. He cited burnout, financial burdens, and the challenges of living with bipolar disorder as factors contributing to his decision.

The Netherlands legalized euthanasia in 2002, becoming the first country to permit medically assisted death under strict regulations. The procedure is carried out by a physician who administers a fatal dose of medication upon the patient’s explicit request. Awuah-Darko emphasized that this option provides a dignified and non-violent transition, allowing closure for loved ones.

His public revelation has sparked a range of responses, from messages of support and understanding to pleas for reconsideration and criticism of what some perceive as the glorification of suicide. Among the responses, he received over 100 invitations from strangers to share a meal together, inspiring him to launch "The Last Supper Project."

Through this initiative, Awuah-Darko has traveled to cities including Paris, Milan, Brussels, and Berlin, hosting dinners to connect with people while awaiting approval for euthanasia. He has documented these experiences on social media and has scheduled over 120 more dinners through August. He describes these gatherings as deeply meaningful, allowing him to step outside his personal pain and engage with others in a profound way.

Despite the sense of connection fostered through these meals, he continues to share raw reflections on his mental health struggles, acknowledging that the project has neither alleviated nor worsened his condition. He hopes his openness brings visibility to others facing similar challenges and remains uncertain about his future path.