Deputy AG calls for review of trade agreements to include Business Human Rights standards

She spoke during a Keynote Address at the opening of the two-day African Business and Human Rights Forum under the theme, ‘The African Decade: Shaping the Next 10 years of Business and Human Rights on the Continent.’

Is allowance instantly strangers applauded

The Deputy Attorney-General, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, says trade agreements must go alongside business and human rights standards as she calls for a review of current trade and investment promotion agreements. 

She spoke during a Keynote Address at the opening of the two-day African Business and Human Rights Forum under the theme, ‘The African Decade: Shaping the Next 10 years of Business and Human Rights on the Continent.’

She further proposed that private entities that receive financial support must demonstrate commitments to business human rights principles, adding that it should be a requirement for receiving continued funding. 

“It is proposed that private entities that receive financial support demonstrate a commitment to Business Human Rights principles, including, by providing access to remedy for human rights violations,” she said.

She noted that the proposals were necessary for the development and implementation of Ghana’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

Attorney-General Godfred Dame in July inaugurated an 18-member steering- committee to develop the first National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Dame said: “The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights will promote a harmonious relationship with which both business and communities can thrive by providing a comprehensive framework for the coordination of multi-sectoral efforts to ensure respect for human rights in business operations. It will also provide guidance to the state and non-state actors on the requirement for all business operations to be conducted in accordance with human rights tenets. 

“Again, it will result in positive human rights outcomes through the creation of decent jobs, the creation of health, education, and other services pursuant to the requirement for the advancement of equality by providing opportunities for marginal groups,” he added.