August 2024 – Human Rights Reporters Ghana (NGO)

Joseph Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), has been invited to speak at a plenary session during the upcoming launch of the Civic Space Outlook documentary.

This important event will take place on August 29, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Accra City Hotel.

The launch will delve into the current state of civic engagement in Ghana, especially in the context of the upcoming elections. It aims to provide essential insights into the trends, drivers, and impacts that shape the civic landscape in the country.

Wemakor, who also serves as the Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on SDGs (Youth Sub-platform), will be joined by a distinguished panel of experts.

Among them is Bertha Badu-Agyei, News Editor at the Ghana News Agency, who will discuss the media’s crucial role in promoting transparency and encouraging civic engagement during elections.

Vera Addo, Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana, will present research findings that highlight the significance of informed citizen participation for a healthy democracy.

Mercy Larbi, Deputy Commissioner at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, will address pressing human rights issues and advocate for greater accountability in governance. Additionally, Kofi Yeboah, General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association, will outline the challenges journalists face in covering civic matters and emphasize the vital importance of press freedom.

This event represents more than just a documentary launch; it serves as a vital platform for dialogue about civic space in Ghana. It aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders as they confront the significant challenges facing civic engagement and explore collective strategies to protect democracy.

Highlighting the urgency of this conversation, Wemakor expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate, stating, “As the civic space in Ghana faces numerous challenges, it is essential for us to come together, share our experiences, and explore collective solutions to defend our rights.”

His insights, informed by years of activism and civic engagement, will be invaluable as Ghana approaches this critical electoral period.

The Civic Space Outlook launch promises to be a landmark event for all advocates of citizens’ rights and freedoms in Ghana. Organized by Spaces For Change (S4C), a dynamic non-profit organization focused on integrating human rights into social and economic governance, the event is supported by the Ford Foundation through the Civic Space Resource Hub.

S4C aims to empower civic actors and enhance democratic participation through research, advocacy, youth engagement, and community action.

As the event draws near, anticipation is building for what will undoubtedly be a powerful and necessary conversation about the future of civic rights and freedoms in Ghana.

With a lineup of key figures participating, the discussions are set to spark critical conversations that will drive the discourse on protecting civic space forward.

Prominent Ghanaian journalist and human rights champion Joseph Kobla Wemakor made significant contributions at a crucial regional conference in Kampala, Uganda, held from August 5-6, 2024.

The conference focused on navigating the delicate intersection between counter-terrorism strategies and the safeguarding of civic freedoms, highlighting the urgent need to protect human rights amid rising repression.

As the Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on Sustainable Development Goals (Youth Sub-platform) and the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, Wemakor is well known for his unwavering commitment to elevating underrepresented voices and confronting injustices across the African continent. His active role in this conference underscored his influence as a leading advocate for human rights and the promotion of democratic values during a time of increasing constraints.

Organized by the Defenders Protection Initiative along with the Civic Advisory Hub, the conference was aptly titled “TOGETHER – Countering Financing of Terrorism While Safeguarding Civic Space.” It gathered various non-profit organizations and key decision-makers to develop strategies aimed at tackling the complexities of financial crimes while preserving civil liberties.

Wemakor’s participation at the conference came on the heels of his impactful involvement in the Pan Africa Human Rights and Social Justice Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, where he engaged in critical discussions following an invitation from Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in counter-terrorism.

At the Kampala gathering, Wemakor delivered passionate remarks emphasizing the importance of ensuring that counter-terrorism policies do not encroach on civic freedoms. His message resonated with many attendees, as numerous African countries continue to struggle with laws that curtail civil society and freedom of expression under the guise of national security.

Highlighting the importance of solidarity among non-profit entities, Wemakor stressed the need for resilience-building against emerging threats to civic spaces.

He appealed for a governance approach that prioritizes human rights while adequately addressing security challenges.

As the discussions progressed in Kampala, participants expressed hope that the perspectives shared by prominent figures like Wemakor would translate into effective strategies to address the ongoing challenges faced by civil society across Africa.

His involvement not only deepened the dialogue but also inspired hope among those committed to advancing human rights and democratic principles throughout the continent.

Source:Joshua Elikplim Adjei

Month: August 2024

Human Rights Reporter’s Joseph Wemakor to participate in plenary session at Civic Space Outlook documentary launch

Human Rights Reporters Ghana boss Joseph Wemakor advocates for civic freedoms at key regional conference in Uganda