Ghana’s Parliament has renewed its commitment to championing human rights and fulfilling international obligations by deepening its engagement with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, a global human rights assessment framework under the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Speaking at the close of a two-day workshop held in Accra, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Bernard Ahiafor, underscored the critical role of the legislature in safeguarding rights, resourcing human rights institutions, and holding the executive accountable for implementing UPR recommendations accepted by Ghana. He pointed to Parliament’s role in funding bodies like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which are instrumental in raising awareness, addressing grievances, and ensuring justice.
Organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in collaboration with Ghana’s Parliament, the workshop was themed “Promoting Human and Children’s Rights: The Role of the Ninth Parliament of Ghana.” It drew participation from key parliamentary committees, civil society actors, human rights experts, and development partners, and focused on enhancing legislators’ understanding of their duties in promoting human rights, especially child protection.
The event spotlighted recent legislative achievements such as the abolition of the death penalty and the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill as evidence of Parliament’s responsiveness to international recommendations. Mr. Ahiafor stressed the importance of engaging communities through town halls and outreach initiatives to ensure that legislative actions align with the lived realities of citizens.
Contributions from local and international speakers reinforced the idea that promoting human rights requires strong collaboration across sectors. UNICEF representatives emphasized translating international commitments into national protections, particularly for children. Human rights experts from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and CHRAJ detailed the technical processes of the UPR and highlighted the significance of parliamentary participation in reporting, oversight, and advocacy.
Lawmakers such as Francis-Xavier Sosu called for heightened focus on child rights, praising Ghana’s abolition of capital punishment as a step in the right direction. Civil society leaders like Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye advocated for stronger training and cross-sectoral coordination to address child trafficking and abuse effectively.
Discussions throughout the workshop ranged from the mechanics of Ghana’s UPR reporting to the broader need for legislative innovation in combatting child labour, trafficking, and systemic rights violations. As the country prepares to implement the latest UPR recommendations from the 2023 cycle, the workshop reaffirmed Parliament’s central role as both legislator and watchdog in ensuring that human rights protections are not just enshrined in law but embedded in practice.
The initiative marks a significant step in reinforcing Ghana’s democratic values, with lawmakers pledging continued efforts to promote justice, inclusivity, and accountability in line with international human rights standards.
