Amnesty International wants Ghana's new President to address key human rights issues

The organization has identified critical areas requiring immediate attention, such as advancing gender equality, safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly, and ensuring a healthy environment for all.

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Amnesty International has called on Ghana's new president, John Dramani Mahama, and administration to make the promotion and protection of human rights a top priority.

The organization has identified critical areas requiring immediate attention, such as advancing gender equality, safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly, and ensuring a healthy environment for all.

“President Mahama and his government must address significant human rights challenges over the next few years,” stated Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa.

Gender Equality and Women’s Rights

Amnesty International emphasized the need for greater female representation in politics and public life. Despite the 2024 Affirmative Action Act aiming for 30% female participation by 2026 and 50% by 2030, women currently constitute less than 15% of Ghana's 275-member Parliament.

The appointment of Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as Ghana's first female Vice-President is a step forward. However, Amnesty International's Ghana Country Director, Genevieve Partington, called for additional efforts to ensure equal opportunities for women in policymaking and leadership roles. "The government must actively work towards equitable participation for women at every level of public office," she said.

Combating Witchcraft Accusations and Ritual Attacks

The organization expressed alarm over the persistent issue of witchcraft accusations, predominantly in the Northern and North-East regions. These accusations often lead to violence, abuse, and displacement of women. Although a 2023 Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill was passed to address this issue, it was not signed into law.

Amnesty International urged the new administration to enact specific legislation criminalizing these acts and launch public education campaigns to counter the social harm caused by such accusations.

Freedom of Peaceful Assembly

Amnesty raised concerns about alleged police crackdowns on peaceful protests in 2024, with activists citing challenges under the Public Order Act. Protest organizer Oliver Barker-Vormawor highlighted instances where protests were disrupted despite providing advance notice well beyond the required five days.

Genevieve Partington called for amendments to the Public Order Act to allow for spontaneous demonstrations and advocated for charges against peaceful protesters to be dropped. "Protecting the right to peaceful assembly is essential for a functioning democracy," she said.

Addressing Environmental Concerns

The issue of illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, was also spotlighted. Amnesty referenced reports from the Ghana Water Company Ltd. in 2024, which revealed that pollution from galamsey had rendered the Pra River unsuitable for water treatment, affecting water supplies in Cape Coast and nearby regions.

Amnesty called on the government to strictly enforce mining regulations and deliver on its commitment to banning illegal mining activities in forest reserves.

In closing, Amnesty International urged President Mahama to take decisive steps to address these urgent issues. "This is a critical moment for Ghana to strengthen human rights protections and promote equitable governance," said Partington.

The organization expressed optimism that the new administration could pave the way for a future marked by improved human rights and sustainable development.