The Committee on Human Rights of Parliament has concluded a two-day workshop aimed at advancing Ghana’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights through the consideration of four key African Union human rights instruments.
The workshop, held under the leadership of the Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, brought together key government institutions and human rights stakeholders to deliberate on the relevance and implications of the proposed instruments for Ghana’s legal and policy framework.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Justice and Office of the Attorney-General, and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) participated in the discussions, providing technical insights and policy perspectives to support the Committee’s work.
The deliberations focused on four major African Union human rights instruments currently before the Committee. These included the African Union Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, the Protocol on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security, the Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa, and the Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa.
The discussions examined the legal, social and institutional implications of ratifying and implementing the instruments, as well as the legislative measures required to align Ghana’s domestic laws with continental human rights standards.
Beyond the review of the protocols, the workshop also featured specialised training on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the United Nations-led mechanism through which the human rights records of member states are periodically assessed.
The training was designed to strengthen the capacity of members of the Committee and Parliament to effectively monitor Ghana’s compliance with its international human rights obligations, contribute meaningfully to the UPR process, and enhance parliamentary oversight of human rights issues.
Participants explored strategies for improving legislative scrutiny, policy implementation and collaboration among state institutions responsible for safeguarding the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups.
The Committee noted that the workshop forms part of broader efforts to ensure that Ghana’s legal and institutional framework remains responsive to emerging human rights challenges while reflecting regional and international best practices.
The engagements reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to promoting inclusive governance, strengthening the protection of fundamental human rights, and supporting legislative reforms that uphold the dignity, equality and welfare of all persons in Ghana.
The outcome of the workshop is expected to inform the Committee’s recommendations to Parliament regarding the adoption and implementation of the African Union human rights instruments, reinforcing Ghana’s longstanding commitment to human rights, social justice and democratic governance.
Author: Joyce Owusu
