The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) facilitated a comprehensive workshop focused on human rights for eight parliamentary committees in Ghana. The event, themed “Promoting Human and Children’s Rights: The Role of the 9th Parliament of Ghana,” brought together members from the Legal Cluster, as well as committees on Education, Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, and Gender, Children and Social Welfare.
The workshop’s opening session was officiated by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor and chaired by Ernest Yaw Anim, Chairman of the Committee on Human Rights. Prominent speakers included David Ekwe Ethuro, a former President of the Kenya Senate and a consultant, who emphasized the importance of legislation, oversight, and budget allocation in advancing human rights.
The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis Xavier Sosu, addressed the gathering on Ghana’s ongoing efforts to abolish the death penalty, underscoring the country’s progress in this area and advocating for continued reforms.
The workshop also featured presentations on international human rights mechanisms, with Maria Soledad and Mohammed Kheir outlining the functions of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and highlighting the vital role of Parliament in these processes.
Mercy Larbi, Deputy-Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), discussed the agency’s roles and encouraged parliamentary support for its initiatives. In the final session, Dr. Isaac Annan elaborated on Ghana’s UPR process, emphasizing Parliament’s responsibilities in reporting, monitoring, and following up on recommendations to uphold human rights standards.
The workshop underscores Ghana’s commitment to strengthening human rights protections and highlights parliamentary efforts towards meaningful reforms, including the abolition of the death penalty.
