May 2023 – Human Rights Reporters Ghana (NGO)

May 30, 2023

Reclassify sanitary products as “essential social goods” & urgently scrap import taxes-CSOs Platform told gov’t

The Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs and its network members including the CDD-Ghana, the Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), and the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) among others have demanded that sanitary products be reclassed as “essential social goods” and that import taxes be immediately removed on them in order to make them more readily available to women and girls.

The CSOs Platform in a crucial statement highlighted that countries including Rwanda, South Africa, and Kenya have outlawed levies on sanitary products and therefore called on the government of Ghana to do same.

As sanitary items are listed in the Harmonized System’s chapter 96 and are subject to a 32.5 percent tax on imported pads, they push the government of Ghana to do the same. Additionally, it accounts for 12.5 percent of the Value Added Tax and 20 percent of import duties.

The CSOs called for a comprehensive effort to lower the cost of sanitary goods and step up public education about menstruation in honor of the 2023 Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration.

Institutions including schools, government agencies, and businesses have been urged to make provisions so that women and girls can manage their periods with dignity and comfort while still working.

Kindly read the full crucial press release here:

Source:humanrightsreporters.com

May 24, 2023

SmartRiz Africa, HRRG, partners to commemorate 2023 World Menstrual Hygiene Day with a massive community durbar at Jawani

SmartRiz Africa, a non-governmental organization has partnered the Future African Leaders Foundation, INSPIRE HER and the Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) to hold the biggest community durbar at Jawani, a village located at the Mamprusi East District in the North East Region of Ghana aimed at sensitizing the masses on menstrual health hygiene practices including how the community can get government support to remain safe and healthy.

The much-anticipated mammoth event, which is the first of its kind to hit the Jawani community is being organized in commemoration of this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day slated for Sunday May 28, 2023.

The goal of the community durbar is to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene and empower girls and women with the knowledge and resources they need to manage their periods safely and with dignity.

The event will feature educational sessions, community discussions, and demonstrations on proper menstrual hygiene practices, such as the use of sanitary pads and the disposal of menstrual waste as well as the significance of World Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration.

It is equally an avenue to make their grievances known and to pave way for their calls to be directed to government with the aim that it would respond positively and urgently to their plight towards the removal of the 20% luxury tax on menstrual hygiene products in the country.

The event is expected to be climaxed with the distribution of over 1,000 free sanitary pads among the women and girls in the Jawani community to ea se their burden during their menstrual periods.

Team Lead for SmartRiz Africa, Portia Manyaya speaking in an interview with the humanrightsreporters.com ahead of the event assured of its outfit’s readiness backed by full support of partners to make the event a success.

While lamenting the plight of the girl child on daily basis with regards to the affordability and accessibility of menstrual pads to cater for their hygiene during their periods, she quickly called for their support, adding “let’s come together and help the girl child have pride during her period”.

Ms. Manyaya therefore appealed to the authorities to help remove the 20% luxury tax imposed on the sanitary materials with urgency so that the product can be affordable and accessible to the girl child especially the rural girls who are the most vulnerable as their basic right to cushion them throughout their monthly menstrual periods.

Menstrual health and hygiene remain a taboo topic in many communities, particularly in Africa, where cultural and traditional beliefs often lead to girls and women being stigmatized and ostracized for their natural bodily functions. This has resulted in a lack of education and awareness about menstrual health, leading to health complications and negative social outcomes.
The partnership between SmartRiz Africa, Future African Leaders Foundation, INSPIRE HER and the Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) including other supporters are critical to the success of the event.

SmartRiz Africa is a social enterprise that specializes in eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products. Their products are made from organic and biodegradable materials, providing sustainable and affordable alternatives to traditional menstrual products. Human Rights Reporters Ghana, on the other hand, is a reputable non-governmental organization that focuses on human rights advocacy and education. Through their partnership, they will work together to leverage their expertise and resources to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene in Ghanaian communities.

The community durbar is an essential initiative that addresses a critical public health issue in Ghana and globally. According to UNICEF, one in ten African girls misses school during their period, which translates to a significant loss of education and opportunities. Additionally, inadequate menstrual hygiene practices have been linked to various reproductive and urinary tract infections, which can lead to infertility and other long-term health complications.

Partnerships like this between social enterprises and non-governmental organizations are vital in addressing complex social issues.

The collaboration provides a comprehensive approach to problem-solving that involves community engagement, education, advocacy, and sustainable solutions. Moreover, it highlights the importance of cross-sectoral partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

In conclusion, the community durbar on menstrual health and hygiene is a much-needed initiative that addresses a persistent social issue in Ghanaian and African communities.

The event will empower girls and women with the knowledge and resources they need to manage their periods safely and with dignity, ensuring that they can stay healthy, attend school, and reach their full potential.

The SmartRiz Africa, Future African Leaders Foundation, INSPIRE HER and the Human Rights Reporters Ghana partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in sustainable development, emphasizing the critical role that social enterprises and non-governmental organizations play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Source: Joseph Kobla Wemakor

May 23, 2023May 23, 2023

Ghana: Addressing menstrual hygiene issues requires urgent removal of 20% luxury tax on menstrual hygiene products

Ghana is a country in West Africa whose cultural and traditional beliefs are influential in shaping societal norms, including menstrual hygiene.

Unfortunately, the lack of understanding and access to proper menstrual hygiene products continues to affect many Ghanaian girls and women, causing them to feel shame and discomfort during their periods.

In addition to this, the government’s imposition of a 20% luxury tax on menstrual hygiene products has made it even more difficult for these women to access the products they need.

Menstrual hygiene is a public health concern affecting millions of women across the globe. In Ghana, a significant number of women do not have access to adequate and affordable menstrual hygiene products, particularly in rural areas. In many cases, women use dirty rags, leaves, or newspapers during their periods as they cannot afford proper sanitary pads or tampons.

These makeshift products not only put women’s health at risk, but they also increase discomfort, leading to missing school or work during their periods.

The government’s imposition of a 20% luxury tax on menstrual hygiene products is a double blow to women who already face a lack of access to these products. Despite the fact that sanitary pads are essential hygiene products and not luxury items, the government continues to impose the tax, which disproportionately affects women from low-income households who cannot afford them.

This taxation policy has been in place since 2015, with the government earning millions of cedis annually from it. The intention of the tax was to increase revenue for the government, but it has had an adverse effect on vulnerable groups, particularly women.

According to UNESCO, most girls are absent from school for four (4) days in a month and end up losing 13 learning days equivalent in every school term.

In an academic year of nine months, a girl loses 39 learning days, equivalent to six weeks of learning time, due to lack of sanitary pads.

This situation has dire consequences for the lives of girls.

It is in this light the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on SDGs together with its network members including the Human Rights Reporters Ghana, Africa Education Watch, Renel Ghana Foundation and other like-minded CSOs working within health and education sectors of Ghana have demonstrated their dedication and passion towards the issue and are relentless through their advocacy campaigns to put pressure on government to do the needful so as to bring about the desired change.

The campaigners are with the strongest view that any policy that discriminates against a section of its population and pushes them into poverty has no place in an inclusive and democratic state hence the need to proactive in their advocacy drives towards the urgent removal of the 20% luxury tax on menstrual hygiene products to address the menstrual health issues of our women and girls in Ghana.

It is disheartening to know that Ghana experiences a significant lack of access to clean and affordable menstrual products as well as a lack of knowledge around basic menstrual hygiene practices. The taxes on sanitary pads have made the product very expensive and inaccessible to many low-income households, which must choose between the pads and competing needs.

The estimated cost of one pad in Ghana averages to about Twenty-five Ghana Cedis (GH₵ 25) equivalent to 2.15 US dollars makes it difficult for girls and women in the rural areas to afford.

The government of Ghana presently charges a luxury tax of 20% and an additional 12.5% VAT on sanitary pads. The fact that this tax is directly targeted at females for a natural occurrence in their reproductive process they have no choice or control over makes the tax highly unjust and immoral. The choice of whether to keep its people clean and safe or not is one that a state should never have to present to its people, particularly to the vulnerable sections of society.

Removing the 20% luxury tax on menstrual hygiene products is essential to addressing menstrual hygiene issues in Ghana, and the government must take urgent action. Indeed, it is a fact that Ghana’s policy is not in line with the United Nations’ goal of ensuring good menstrual health and hygiene by 2030. Women face enough challenges with menstruation, and the imposition of a tax on menstrual hygiene products only makes matters worse.

Furthermore, Ghanaian cultural and traditional beliefs stigmatize menstruation and contribute to the lack of understanding about menstrual hygiene. Many people in Ghana consider menstruation as dirty and shameful, and, as a result, women are reluctant to talk about it or seek help. This lack of awareness marginalizes women who are already struggling to access menstrual hygiene products.

To address this challenge, governments and NGOs must work together to bring about behavioral change education on menstrual hygiene, both within households and schools.

It is necessary to break the silence around menstruation, break the stigma surrounding it, and provide accurate information to people of all genders. By educating the masses about menstrual health, we can increase demand for menstrual hygiene products, thereby increasing women’s access to them.

In addition to removing the luxury tax, there is a need for government intervention to make menstrual hygiene products more readily available and accessible to all women, regardless of their socio-economic status.

The government must create policies that provide subsidies for women who cannot afford these products. This intervention will ensure that women who are below the poverty line do not miss out on vital sanitary pads and tampons.

Therefore, the Ghanaian government must take menstrual hygiene issues seriously and take immediate steps to remove the 20% luxury tax on menstrual hygiene products. The government needs to work closely with NGOs and health professionals to increase awareness about menstrual hygiene and address the stigmatization surrounding it. This will help create an enabling environment to reduce the spread of infections and enhance overall public health. A tax break on menstrual hygiene products is an essential step in this direction.

In summary, Ghana needs to address menstrual hygiene issues urgently. The 20% luxury tax on menstrual hygiene products must be removed, and subsidized policies must be implemented to make them more available and accessible to all women, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Furthermore, education and awareness campaigns aimed at educating people, especially girls, women, and their households, on menstrual hygiene should be conducted. Building partnerships with NGOs, health professionals, and communities will create a conducive environment to promote menstrual hygiene and make necessary interventions to help vulnerable groups.

Meanwhile, as Ghana joins the world to commemorate the 2023 Menstrual Hygiene Day which falls on May 28, 2023, the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on SDGs and its network members including the Send Ghana, Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Renel Ghana Foundation, Norsaac, Youth Advocate Ghana (YAG) and the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) among others CSOs championing issues of health are with the strongest voice calling on the government to prioritize issues of menstrual hygiene and endeavor to take urgent action to scrap the 20% luxury tax on menstrual hygiene products to help address the menstrual hygiene issues confronted by our women and girls in the country.

As part of activities earmarked for the celebration, the campaigners barring any unforeseen circumstances will be rallying around #MyPeriodMattersCampaign including holding series of activities to strongly advocate, drum home their campaign messages and brought pressure to bear on government to do the needful.

Similar event is also expected to hold on Sunday May 28 2023, at Jawani, a village situated in the East Mamprusi District of the North East Region where SmartRiz Africa, a non-governmental organization in collaboration with the Future African Leaders Foundation, INSPIRE HER and the Human Rights Reporters Ghana among others would take up the bold initiative to sensitize the village folks on the significance of the global day celebration, the essence of maintaining menstrual hygiene, the need to support girls to get access to menstrual pads without hitches and above all use the occasion to call on government to help prioritize urgent removal of 20% luxury tax on menstrual hygiene products in order to promote menstrual hygiene in Ghana.

The anticipation is that the mammoth durbar would be climaxed with the distribution of over 1,000 free sanitary pads among girls to ease their burdens during their menstrual periods.

Source: Joseph Kobla Wemakor

May 20, 2023

HRRG Executive Director Joseph Wemakor selected among 25 Ghanaian health reporters schooled on infectious diseases reporting

The Centre for Science and Health Communication (CSHC) on Wednesday May 17, 2023 organized 1-day capacity building training for twenty-five (25) selected science and health reporters in Ghana.

The event was held at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens Conference Hall at the University of Ghana campus at Legon in Accra.

It was moderated by Daniel Kwame Ampofo Adjei, a graduate researcher at the Department of Communication Studies, University of Ghana

Among the participants was the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana HRRG), Joseph Kobla Wemakor who equally had his knowledge and communication skills honed on infectious diseases reporting including health-related issues.

This initiative, which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, seeks to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to report on infectious diseases and epidemics with accuracy and sensitivity.

The beneficiaries were selected from a pool of health reporters across the country after a rigorous selection process when the Centre earlier opened calls for entries requesting health reporters in the country to apply through the submission of 2 of their recently published articles on health/infectious diseases for consideration.

According to Dr Bernard Appiah, Director of Centre for Science and Health Communication, the training aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively communicate and disseminate information on infectious diseases and health-related issues to the public.

Infectious diseases continue to be a significant public health challenge globally, with the emergence of new and re-emerging diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola, and Zika posing significant threats to human health.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), infectious diseases are responsible for millions of deaths every year globally. Furthermore, infectious diseases such as Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19 have attracted widespread attention in recent years due to their global impact. It is therefore necessary that journalists reporting on infectious diseases possess the necessary skills and knowledge.

The capacity building program, which was conducted for 25 journalists drawn from various media outlets in Ghana, focused on issues such as the basics of infectious disease reporting, understanding the epidemiology of infectious diseases, public health responses to infectious diseases, and ethical reporting.

By the end of the program, participants had acquired valuable knowledge on how to report accurately and ethically on infectious diseases.

It is worthy to note that the training program also emphasized the importance of public health communication during infectious disease outbreaks. The communication of accurate public health information is essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and reducing the fear and panic that often accompany such outbreaks.

Speaking at the end of the program, the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, Joseph Kobla Wemakor expressed gratitude to the CSHC for commitment to building the capacity of journalists in Ghana, adding that it would go a long way in enhancing his understanding of infectious diseases and improving his ability to disseminate information on health-related issues to the public.

“I am grateful to the Centre for Science and Health Communication for organizing this training. It has been an eye-opener for me, and I have learned a lot about infectious diseases and how to communicate effectively on health-related issues.

I am confident that the knowledge and skills gained from this training will enhance my capacity including my colleagues to effectively communicate and disseminate information on infectious diseases and other health-related issues to the public”.

Dr. Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin, Senior Lecturer and Head of Department of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana in her presentation highlighted the importance of accurate reporting on infectious diseases and called on journalists to use the knowledge gained to report on infectious diseases with accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility.

The Centre for Science and Health Communication has a track record of collaborating with various stakeholders to promote the communication of accurate and reliable health information to the public. This initiative is a testament to its commitment to this cause.

In conclusion, the training program organized by the Centre for Science and Health Communication in collaboration with support of its partners is a significant step towards building the capacity of journalists in Ghana on infectious disease reporting.

The skills and knowledge acquired by journalists during the program will go a long way in promoting accurate and ethical reporting on infectious diseases.

It is hoped that similar initiatives will be implemented in other countries to ensure that journalists possess the necessary skills and knowledge to report on public health issues accurately.

Source: humanrightsreporters.com

May 19, 2023

Centre for Science & Health Communication builds capacity of Ghanaian journalists on infectious diseases reporting

The Centre for Science & Health Communication (CSHC) has taken a significant step towards battling infectious diseases in Ghana by building the capacity of Ghanaian journalists on infectious disease reporting.

The centre, which provides a platform for the dissemination of scientific and health information, has recognized the role that journalists can play in educating the public about infectious diseases.

Infectious diseases pose a significant threat to public health in Ghana, and the lack of knowledge about these diseases has contributed to their rapid spread.

The Centre for Science & Health Communication aims to bridge this knowledge gap by providing journalists with the necessary tools to communicate effectively with the public.

The 1-day capacity building programme for journalists which was held on May 17, 2023 at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens Conference Hall at the campus of the University of Ghana, Legon in Accra brought together twenty-five 25 selected journalists who reports on health/infectious diseases from various media outlets across the sixteen (16) regions of the country.

The beneficiaries were selected from a pool of science journalists across the country who made it successful out of a rigorous selection process when the CSHC earlier opened calls for entries requesting Ghanaian journalists to apply through the submission of 2 of their recently published articles on health/infectious diseases for consideration.

The participants were introduced to the basic concepts of infectious diseases, the process of disease transmission, and how to accurately and effectively report on infectious diseases and outbreaks.

The training also covered the importance of using evidence-based reporting and how to avoid sensationalism, which can lead to misinformation and panic among the public.

The training also exposes the participants to storytelling techniques for science journalism and how they can evaluate news leads and news tips to develop story ideas as well as how to gather and verify factual information or sources regarding infectious disease reporting through interview, observation, and research.

According to the Director of Centre for Science and Health Communication, Dr Bernard Appiah, the overall goal of the workshop is to ensure an enhanced capacity is built of science journalists in the country who can be well-equipped with knowledge and skills to produce stories on infectious diseases.

Dr. Appiah who conducted the training via zoom took the participants through ‘Story Telling Techniques for Science Journalism’ urges them to always prioritize reading research papers, making use of press releases and case studies in order to be able to report effectively on scientific findings.

He emphasized the need for science journalists to adopt the techniques such as “Do the Science”, “Say the Science”, “Show the Science”, “Localize the Science”, “Dramatize the Science” and “Humanize the Science” in order to be able to tell scientific and evidence-based stories.

Dr. Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin, Senior Lecturer and Head of Department of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana who took the participants through the presentation and discussion of content analysis of sampled infectious diseases stories advised the participants to utilize the scientific storytelling techniques such as ‘taking audience behind the scenes’, ‘demonstrate the science’, illustrates and examines how the science impacts audience and portrays an individual impacted by the science among others towards production of a scientific content that resonates with quality infectious disease reporting.

For his part, Mr. Francis Korkutse, a freelance journalist urged the participants to always prioritize reporting on infectious diseases.

He highlighted the need for the participants to demonstrate passion and be committed to work always towards production of effective and quality reportage on infectious diseases.

A beneficiary, Mr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor who shared his views in an interview applauded the Centre for Science & Health Communication and its partners for the opportunity to have his capacity built on science and health communication. This, he believes has well positioned him to effectively and efficiently report on infectious diseases in Ghana and beyond.

The programme was moderated by Daniel Kwame Ampofo Adjei, a graduate researcher at the Department of Communication Studies, University of Ghana.

The Centre for Science & Health Communication recognizes that science journalists have a crucial role to play in disseminating accurate information to the public during disease outbreaks.

The centre has, therefore, equipped the journalists with the necessary knowledge and skills to report on infectious diseases in a way that is informative, engaging, and devoid of sensationalism.

One of the key outcomes of the training programme was the development of a network of journalists committed to reporting on infectious diseases. The network will serve as a platform for the exchange of information and ideas, enabling journalists to collaborate and support each other in their reporting.

In addition to the training programme, the Centre for Science & Health Communication has developed an online course on infectious disease reporting. The course is free and open to all journalists in Ghana and provides a comprehensive overview of reporting on infectious diseases, including case studies, practical examples, and best practices.

The Centre for Science & Health Communication is also working with public health experts to ensure that journalists have access to the latest information on infectious diseases.

The centre has established partnerships with the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service and other organizations involved in disease control and prevention to provide journalists with up-to-date information and statistics on infectious diseases.

In conclusion, the Centre for Science & Health Communication’s initiative to build the capacity of Ghanaian journalists on infectious disease reporting is a significant step towards battling infectious diseases in Ghana.

Through this initiative, journalists are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to report accurately and responsibly on infectious diseases, ultimately helping to educate the public and promote disease prevention.

Source:Joseph Wemakor

May 15, 2023

Climate Change: A tragedy we must take urgent action to address to save planet earth

Climate change is a global phenomenon that is becoming increasingly severe with each passing day. Anthropogenic activities, such as emission of harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, deforestation, and industrialization, have contributed to this problem.

Climate change is a tragedy that has far-reaching impacts on the planet, from rising sea levels to extreme weather patterns. Urgent action must be taken to deal with this tragedy in order to save planet earth from further destruction including loss of lives.

The consequences of climate change are vast and severe. Temperature extremes, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, have become more frequent and intense in recent years.

These weather conditions have resulted in loss of lives, property, and economic setbacks in several regions across the globe. The rising sea levels have triggered coastal erosion, flooding, and salinization of freshwater sources, affecting the world’s most vulnerable communities. These events highlight the need for immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted that if urgent action is not taken, global temperatures are likely to rise above 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2030.

This increase in temperature could have catastrophic consequences, including loss of biodiversity, a decline in agricultural productivity, and increased frequency of extreme weather conditions.

The IPCC report also highlights the urgency of the situation, stating that the effects of climate change are irreversible for centuries, even if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to zero.

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence pointing to the need for action, governments, and industries continue to prioritize economic growth over the environment. The agriculture, transportation, and energy sectors contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Prompt action is required to reduce emissions and prevent future warming. This can be achieved by rapidly transitioning to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Fossil fuels must be phased out, and energy-efficient technologies must be embraced across all sectors.

The Paris Agreement of 2015 is an international agreement designed to combat climate change. The agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

The agreement commits signatory countries to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reporting on their progress regularly. However, despite this agreement, global greenhouse gas emissions have continued to rise. The commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement must be upheld to mitigate the effects of climate change.

In addition to governmental measures, individuals can also make an impact by adopting sustainable living practices. Simple steps like reducing energy consumption in homes and workplaces, conserving water, and reducing the use of plastic can have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the planet. Governments can incentivize these practices by offering tax rebates and subsidies for renewable energy investments and energy-efficient technologies.

In conclusion, climate change is a tragedy that requires urgent action to address so as to save planet earth from further destruction including loss of lives, property, and economic setbacks in several regions across the globe

The effects of climate change have far-reaching impacts on the planet, from rising sea levels to extreme weather conditions, which must be mitigated through immediate action.

Governments, industries, civil society organizations, private sector and individuals must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adopt energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources, and adopt sustainable living practices to combat climate change.

Source: Joseph Kobla Wemakor

May 13, 2023

Joseph Wemakor writes: why Ghana needs to prioritize urgent abolition of death penalty

The death penalty is a controversial and highly emotive issue in many countries around the world, including Ghana. While there are arguments on both sides of the debate, there is growing consensus that the use of the death penalty is no longer necessary or effective in modern society.

As such, there is an urgent need for Ghana to completely strike out the death penalty from its statutes.

The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is the highest form of punishment that can be imposed on a person by a legal system. It involves the execution of an individual who has been convicted of a serious crime.

In Ghana, the death penalty is still legal and can be imposed for certain crimes, such as murder and treason. However, there is a growing call to abolish the death penalty in the country

First and foremost, the death penalty is a violation of human rights and the fundamental right to life. Governments have a duty to protect the human rights of their citizens, including the right to life.

The use of the death penalty is a clear violation of this fundamental right, and it sends a message that human life is not valued or protected. Moreover, the death penalty is a cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment that violates international human rights law.

It exposes individuals to the risk of torture and other forms of cruel treatment, which is unacceptable in any civilized society.

Secondly, the death penalty is an ineffective and flawed tool of justice. There is a wealth of evidence that shows that the death penalty has no deterrent effect on crime. In fact, countries that have abolished the death penalty have not seen an increase in the rate of serious crimes, indicating that the death penalty is not necessary to reduce crime. Moreover, the death penalty is a flawed tool of justice because it is irreversible. Mistakes can and do happen in the criminal justice system, and innocent people can be sentenced to death. Once a person is executed, there is no way to undo the injustice that has been done.

Thirdly, the use of the death penalty is fraught with racial and socioeconomic biases. The use of the death penalty is often influenced by factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, and social status.

Poor and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by the death penalty, as they lack the resources to mount a robust defense. Moreover, there is evidence of racial bias in the application of the death penalty. Studies have shown that black defendants are more likely to receive the death penalty than white defendants, even when the crime and circumstances are similar.

In light of these compelling arguments, Ghana must prioritize urgent abolition of the death penalty and completely have it struck out from its statutes. In doing so, Ghana would be joining a growing number of countries that have recognized the inhumanity and ineffectiveness of the death penalty.

By abolishing the death penalty, Ghana would be sending a powerful message that human life is sacred and worthy of protection. It would also be taking a significant step towards promoting human rights and justice for all.

The need to abolish the death penalty in Ghana is based on several reasons. Firstly, the death penalty is an irreversible punishment. Once a person has been executed, there is no going back. However, there have been cases in Ghana and other countries where people have been wrongly convicted of crimes and later exonerated. If such a person had been executed, there can be no way of bringing them back to life.

Secondly, the application of the death penalty has been shown to be biased in many cases. In Ghana, the death penalty is often imposed on poor and marginalized individuals who cannot afford a good defense lawyer. On the other hand, wealthy individuals who commit the same crimes are often able to escape the death penalty due to their financial resources. This means that the death penalty is often applied in a discriminatory manner, which is against the principles of justice.

Thirdly, the use of the death penalty has not been shown to be an effective deterrent against crime. While it may be thought that the fear of execution would deter people from committing crimes, research has shown that this is not the case. In fact, countries that have abolished the death penalty have not seen an increase in crime rates. This suggests that there are more effective ways of reducing crime, such as addressing the root causes of criminal behavior.

Another argument against the death penalty is that it goes against the principles of human rights. The right to life is a fundamental human right that is enshrined in many international treaties and conventions. The use of the death penalty violates this right and can be seen as a form of cruel and inhuman punishment. Furthermore, the use of the death penalty can lead to other human rights abuses, such as the use of torture to extract confessions from suspects.

Other steps that Ghana can take to abolish the death penalty include to repeal any laws that provide for the death penalty and replace them with alternative forms of punishment.

Additionally, Ghana can commute the sentences of individuals who are currently on death row to life imprisonment.

Ghana can establish a national commission to study the impact of the death penalty on society and recommend alternative measures to reduce crime

Opponents of the death penalty also argue that it is a costly form of punishment. The cost of keeping an inmate on death row and carrying out the execution can be much higher than the cost of keeping them in prison for life.

In addition, the lengthy appeals process that accompanies death penalty cases can be costly for the state. This money could be better spent on improving the criminal justice system or addressing other social issues.

There are also practical reasons for abolishing the death penalty in Ghana. The country has been struggling with overcrowding in its prisons, with many inmates awaiting trial for years.

The use of the death penalty adds to this problem, as death row inmates also occupy prison space. By abolishing the death penalty, Ghana can free up space in its prisons and reduce the burden on its criminal justice system.

The need to abolish the death penalty in Ghana is not a new issue. However, the recent global spotlight on social justice issues has renewed the call to end capital punishment. There have been some positive developments in this area, such as the passage of the Juvenile Justice Act in 2003, which abolished the death penalty for offenders below the age of 18. However, there is more work to be done to fully abolish the death penalty in all cases.

In conclusion, the use of the death penalty is a violation of human rights, an ineffective and flawed tool of justice, and is fraught with biases.

It is an irreversible punishment that has been shown to be applied in a biased manner and is not an effective deterrent against crime. It also goes against the principles of human rights and can be a costly form of punishment. Practical reasons also exist for abandoning the death penalty, such as addressing the prison overcrowding problem.

Therefore, Ghana must swiftly move into action now and do the needful to ensure the death penalty is completely struck off from its statutes to promote justice, human rights, and send a powerful message that human life is sacred.

By taking these measures, Ghana would be joining a growing movement of countries that have recognized the futility and inhumanity of the death penalty.

It is time for Ghana to join the global movement towards ending capital punishment and adopt more humane and effective ways of dealing with crime.

We must ensure that we protect the human rights of individuals and promote justice across the world by prioritizing the abolishment of the death penalty.

Source: Joseph Kobla Wemakor

May 10, 2023

Joseph Wemakor: Ghanaian journalists must unite to stand up for themselves, resist attacks on press freedom

Press freedom in Ghana has been a consistent issue of concern for many years, with journalists having to face varying degrees of harassment and attacks for carrying out their duties.

In the past few years, there has been an increase in cases of these attacks, prompting journalists to demand more protection from the government and other stakeholders.

A recent ranking by the Reporters Without Borders portrayed that Ghana continues to rank poor on the global press freedom index.

According to the report, the country dropped two spots from 60 in 2022 to 62 among 180 countries listed on the index. Ghana dropped 30 spots from 2021 to rank at 60 in 2022.

Ghana scored 65.93 out of a possible 100, from the 67.43 it scored in the 2022 ranking of 180 countries.

The latest ranking places Ghana in the ninth position in Africa, behind Namibia, 80.91, South Africa, 78.6, Cape Verde, 75.72, Seychelles 75.71, Gambia, 71.06, Ivory Coast 68.83, Burkina Faso, 67.64, and Niger 66.84.

This is Ghana’s second consecutive drop on the log from the 30th position it occupied in the 2021 edition of the ranking.

Undoubtedly, the above ratings of Ghana in terms of press freedom raises an alarm about the safety of journalists, media practitioners and activists alike.

This article looks at press freedom in Ghana, the challenges journalists face, and the need for journalists to unite to stand up for themselves to avert attacks.

Press Freedom in Ghana

Press freedom is essential in any democratic society, and Ghana is no exception. In Ghana, the constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech, expression, and the press. This constitutional provision is supposed to protect journalists and guarantee that they are free to report on events without fear of retribution. However, the reality is that press freedom in Ghana is often under threat.

Ghana is one of the most vibrant media environments in Africa, with over 400 radio stations, 100 TV stations, and several newspapers. The media play a vital role in informing the public, exposing corruption, and holding the government accountable. However, the media’s role can sometimes lead to friction between the media and those in power.

Challenges Facing Ghanaian Journalists

One of the biggest challenges facing Ghanaian journalists is the lack of protection. Journalists in Ghana are often subjected to threats, harassment, and attacks from individuals with vested interests. These attacks can be physical or verbal, with journalists facing the risk of injury or even death. In some cases, media houses have even been attacked, with equipment destroyed, and journalists threatened.

These attacks are a clear violation of the fundamental principles of press freedom. The media is an essential pillar of democracy, and it is the responsibility of journalists to report on issues that affect the society. Journalists have the right to report the truth, and they should not be intimidated or threatened for doing their job.

Another challenge facing Ghanaian journalists is the lack of access to information. Journalists are often denied access to information, especially from government officials. This lack of access to information makes it difficult for journalists to carry out their duties effectively, as they are unable to report on issues that affect the public.

Journalists in Ghana also face the challenge of censorship. The government sometimes exerts pressure on media houses to report in a certain way or to avoid certain topics. This pressure can lead to self-censorship on the part of journalists, as they are afraid of the consequences of reporting certain stories.

Why Journalists Must Unite to Stand Up for Themselves to Avert Attacks

Journalists in Ghana must unite to stand up for themselves and avert attacks. Unity is crucial in ensuring that journalists can resist attacks and demand protection. Journalists must come together, regardless of their affiliations, to demand that their rights are protected, and they are given the freedom to do their work without fear of retribution.

It is time for journalists in Ghana to unite and stand up for themselves. They must form alliances with civil society groups, media organizations, and other stakeholders to defend their rights and freedoms. They should not allow themselves to be cowed into silence by threats or attacks.

One way that journalists can come together is by forming associations. These associations can then act as a platform for journalists to share their experiences, discuss challenges facing the industry, and demand solutions from the government and other stakeholders. Associations can also provide training opportunities for journalists to improve their skills and knowledge.

There is also a need for journalists to push for laws that protect their rights. Ghanaian journalists need laws that guarantee their safety, right to access information, and freedom of expression. These laws need to be enforced, and those who violate them should be punished to serve as a deterrent to others.

The government also has a critical role to play in this regard. The authorities should make a clear statement condemning these attacks and take steps to ensure that journalists can do their work without fear of harassment or intimidation. The government should also support efforts to improve the safety and protection of journalists.

Journalists in Ghana can also learn from their counterparts in other countries. For example, journalists in the Philippines have formed a network called the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), which advocates for press freedom and the protection of journalists. This organization is an excellent example of how journalists can come together to defend their rights and work to uphold the principles of press freedom.

Additionally, Ghanaian journalists should embrace technology and social media to foster greater collaboration and information-sharing. They can leverage the power of new media to reach a broader audience and create a network of supportive communities. Social media can be an effective tool for mobilizing support for press freedom, building alliances, and promoting a culture of openness and transparency.

Journalists in Ghana must also take steps to improve their skills and professionalism. They should embrace best practices in journalism and uphold the highest ethical standards. Professionalism and credibility are essential elements of the media’s role in society, and journalists should strive to be accurate, fair, and balanced in their reporting.

Finally, journalists must recognize that press freedom is not just their fight, but it is a fight for everyone. The media is the watchdog of society, and it is the responsibility of all citizens to support efforts to defend press freedom and protect journalists. The public can play a decisive role in creating an enabling environment for journalists to carry out their work without fear of censorship, harassment, or violence.

Conclusion

Press freedom is an essential part of any democratic society, and Ghana is no exception. Ghanaian journalists, who play a crucial role in informing the public, are often subjected to various forms of harassment and attacks, making press freedom a constant source of concern.

However, journalists must unite to stand up for themselves and avert attacks. They need to form associations, demand legal protection, and push for the enforcement of existing laws to ensure that their rights are protected.

They must form alliances with civil society groups, government agencies, and other stakeholders to defend their rights and freedoms.

The government has an essential role to play in supporting press freedom and protecting journalists. Journalists must embrace technology and social media to foster greater collaboration and information-sharing.

They should also strive to improve their skills and professionalism while recognizing that press freedom is not just their fight, but a fight for everyone. By doing so, journalists can continue to serve the public interest without fear of retribution.

Source: Joseph Kobla Wemakor

The writer is a seasoned journalist, National SDGs Champion and Founder/Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)

May 9, 2023

Why parliament must prioritize urgent passage of the Affirmative Action Bill into law in Ghana

In recent years, the issue of affirmative action has become a hot topic of discussion in Ghana. The term refers to policies designed to overcome the effects of discrimination and promote the interests of historically marginalized groups through proactive measures.

Affirmative action policies take many forms, including quotas, outreach programs, and targeted hiring preferences. The primary objective of these policies is to ensure that underrepresented groups have equal access to education and employment opportunities, thereby promoting social and economic equity.

Despite the potential benefits of affirmative action policies, many Ghanaians remain skeptical about their efficacy. Some argue that affirmative action policies are discriminatory, providing opportunities to select groups at the expense of others.

Others believe that such policies would be unnecessary in a country where merit and ability are supposed to be the primary criteria for admission and employment.

However, I believe that affirmative action legislation must be urgently passed into law in Ghana, and in this article, I will explain why.

Firstly, the historical context of Ghana makes it necessary to have affirmative action policies. The effects of colonization, slavery and neo-colonialism still persist in Ghana today.

The white colonial powers introduced such arbitrary notions as ‘race’ and colorism that were used to separate the black people in Ghana by placing the lighter-skinned, foreign-educated people in administrative positions and pushed the darker-skinned, locally educated people in manual labor jobs.

This has left Ghanaian society with deep-seated inequalities that persist in the present day. Affirmative action policies that seek to redress these historical wrongs will undoubtedly promote equality and social justice.

Secondly, the implementation of affirmative action policies can help to counteract the effects of implicit bias, which is pervasive in all spheres of society. Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes and beliefs that shape our perceptions of others. For instance, a hiring manager may have an implicit bias against women and minorities, leading them to overlook qualified candidates from these groups.

Affirmative action policies can help to mitigate these biases by ensuring that underrepresented groups are given greater consideration in the hiring process. This, in turn, can help to encourage diverse hiring teams and challenge conventional notions of meritocracy, which are often used to justify the exclusion of certain groups from the workforce.

Thirdly, affirmative action policies can help to promote diversity and inclusivity, which are essential for promoting innovation and creativity. When teams are composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, they are better equipped to handle complex problems and develop creative solutions. Affirmative action policies can help to ensure that these benefits are distributed more equitably across society by expanding access to education and employment opportunities.

Fourthly, affirmative action policies can help to enhance national unity. When individuals from different backgrounds are given equal opportunities, they are more likely to view themselves as part of a common national identity. This can help to foster greater social cohesion and reduce tensions between different groups. Furthermore, it can help to promote greater understanding and empathy between groups, which can help to prevent conflict and promote greater collaboration between different sectors of society.

The Affirmative Action Bill is a proposed legislation that seeks to provide gender parity in Ghanaian politics. The bill aims to increase women’s participation in decision-making positions by proposing that at least 40% of public offices be reserved for women. The bill has been in parliament for over a decade but has not received the needed attention for it to become law.

The Affirmative Action Bill presents itself as the most definite way of ensuring women’s adequate representation in Ghana’s decision-making spaces. The strategy has worked in various African countries such as Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Guinea, Kenya, Senegal, to mention but a few. There is therefore the urgency for Ghana to pass the Affirmative Action Law in order to remedy women’s low participation in political, social and economic lives.

Since the process began in Ghana, civil society organizations including ABANTU for Development, Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana, ActionAid, Women in Law and Development (WiLDAF), Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and several others have been at the forefront of advocacy campaigns, canvassing for support for the passage of the Bill. These organizations have engaged with citizens across the country, engaged with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), Cabinet, Parliament, Political Parties, the media and other stakeholders for the promotion of the advocacy around the Bill.

One of the significant achievements of Civil Society Organizations in advocacy towards the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill into law is the formation of the Affirmative Action Coalition.

The coalition is made up of several civil society organizations, women’s groups, and other stakeholders who have come together to push for the passage of the bill into law. The coalition has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts, including petitioning parliament and holding public demonstrations among others.

Its convener, Mrs. Sheila Minkah-Premo, an ardent advocate for women’s rights has equally been working tirelessly to ensure the bill is passed into law no time.

She believes the passage of the bill would help create a conducive environment for women, eliminate bias and enhance the participation of women in national development.

In most of her advocacy campaigns platforms, she has been relentless in her calls on civil society, media and Ghanaians at large to help push for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill, to facilitate gender equality in governance and in private life.

Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), a media advocacy and human rights group which brings together young journalists, editors, lawyers and human rights activists has equally been adding its voice to the advocacy campaigns over the years using various media platforms to amplify its advocacy efforts. The organization has used social media to reach a broader audience and engage young people in the conversation on gender parity.

HRRG has been vocal in highlighting the importance of the bill in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Ghana.

With the belief that gender parity in decision-making positions is crucial in addressing gender inequalities and promoting economic development, the vibrant advocacy group is leaving no stone unturned in its actions until the bill is passed into law soon.

While the bill is yet to become law, the advocacy efforts Affirmative Action Bill Coalition (AAB) strongly supported by civil society organizations such as ABANTU for Development, Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana, ActionAid, Women in Law and Development (WiLDAF), Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) including the Human Rights Reporters Ghana and other stakeholders have brought the issues surrounding gender inequality in Ghanaian politics to the fore, setting the stage for increased action towards promoting gender parity.

In conclusion, affirmative action policies are essential for promoting social justice and equality in Ghana. By addressing the historical injustices that have left deep-seated inequalities in Ghanaian society, affirmative action policies can help to create a more equitable future for all Ghanaians. By countering implicit bias, promoting diversity, and enhancing national unity, these policies can help to create a better future for Ghana and its citizens.

Source:Joseph Kobla Wemakor

The writer is a staunch human rights activist, National SDGs Champion and Founder/Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)

May 6, 2023May 6, 2023

Ghana: why government must urgently respond to issues tabled by CRPD to relieve plights of PLWDs

According to the World Health Organization, there are over one billion people living with disabilities worldwide, and persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) face several challenges in accessing basic services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

In Ghana, PLWDs face a myriad of challenges ranging from accessing basic amenities such as buildings, transport, health care, education, and social services to discrimination, exclusion, and marginalization from mainstream society.

Fortunately, Ghana has signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) aimed at promoting and ensuring the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities. However, the government must respond quickly to issues tabled by CRPD to relieve the plights of PLWDs.

Accessibility

One of the major challenges that PLWDs face in Ghana is accessibility to buildings, especially public buildings such as schools, hospitals, and courts. Although the Persons with Disability Act of 2006 mandates that all public buildings be made accessible to PLWDs, this law has not been fully implemented. This situation has left many PLWDs stranded and unable to access essential services, leading to frustration and discrimination.

In Ghana, a report by the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) indicated that only 10% of public buildings and facilities are accessible to PLWDs. This is unacceptable! The government must implement the provisions of the law and ensure that all public buildings are accessible, through the provision of ramps and other essential facilities.

Discrimination

Discrimination against PLWDs is a major challenge that has plagued Ghana for too long. Many PLWDs have been excluded from formal employment, education, and health care. According to a survey conducted by the GFD, over 82% of PLWDs in Ghana are unemployed. This situation has led to poverty and marginalization, leaving many PLWDs to rely on charity to survive.

The government must take steps to tackle discrimination against PLWDs by creating policies that will ensure that PLWDs have access to education, health care, and job opportunities. Additionally, the government must enforce the provisions of the Disability Act, which prohibits discrimination against PLWDs.

Health Care

Access to health care is a right that every human being is entitled to, regardless of disability. However, many PLWDs in Ghana face discrimination and exclusion when it comes to accessing health care services. Many medical facilities lack basic facilities and equipment that will help PLWDs access the services they need.

The government must ensure that all healthcare facilities are accessible to PLWDs. Additionally, the government should provide essential equipment to these facilities such as ramps, disabled-friendly toilets, and wheelchairs. By doing this, PLWDs will be able to access essential health care services, reducing morbidity and mortality rates among PLWDs in Ghana.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PLWDs in Ghana are part of society and deserve equal treatment and access to basic amenities like any other citizen. The government must respond quickly to issues tabled by CRPD to relieve the plights of PLWDs.

The government must ensure that all public buildings are accessible, create policies that will ensure equal treatment, and access to education, health care, and job opportunities. Additionally, the government should work with stakeholders such as the Ghana Federation of the Disability Organisations (GFD) to address the challenges facing PLWDs in the country. The time to act is now!

Author: Joseph Kobla Wemakor

The writer is a staunch human rights activist, National SDGs Champion and Founder/Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)