Human Rights Reporters Ghana (NGO)

Category: Press Releases

  • Human Rights Reporters Ghana Press Release on Security Brutalities in Nigeria

    Human Rights Reporters Ghana Press Release on Security Brutalities in Nigeria

    For Immediate Release

    October 21, 2020

    To All Media Houses

    HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTERS CONDEMN BRUTALITIES, KILLINGS OF PROTESTERS IN NIGERIA; CALLS ON PREZ. BUHARI, ECOWAS, AU ET AL. TO ACT NOW

    The Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) has expressed abhorrence at the alleged intimidation, attacks, shootings and killings of peaceful civilians in the #EndSars and #EndPolicebrutality” protests ongoing in Nigeria by the security forces.

    Several reports chanced upon by the HRRG pointed out to the use of brute force and violent attacks by the security forces against the protestors ranging from beatings, slapping, kicking, unlawful use of tear gas, sporadic shootings of live bullets into the crowds among others resulting to various severe injuries and deaths which amounts to gross violation of  human rights. 

    We condemn the harassments, arrests and brutalities by security forces which has resulted in the death of about 13 individuals and injuries of hundreds of peaceful protesters, in no uncertain terms.

    We are also by this statement calling on the government of Nigeria particularly, H.E President Buhari to first and foremost, call the security forces to order, and importantly lead in the immediate and total disband of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    While commiserating with the people of Nigeria and especially the families of those killed and severely wounded, we equally express concern at the human rights abuses and growing insecurity concerns, for a country which has ratified the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, subscribes to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights as well as has enshrined in its 1999 Constitution, the right to freedom of assembly and gathering.

    As a matter of urgency, we equally appealed to the International Community and the African Union to mount pressure on the Nigerian government and President Buhari, for the brutalities being perpetrated against the protestors to end now. We further called on ECOWAS and its Chairman, H.E President Nana Akufo-Addo to initiate discussions toward total police reform in Nigeria, as part of efforts to keep the situation from spiraling out of control.

    Thank You

    Signed

    Joseph Wemakor

    Executive Director

    0243676813

    Juliet Dankwah

    Acting Communication Assistant

    0507051779

  • Human Rights Reporters condemns shooting, killing of Akwasi Banahene

    Human Rights Reporters condemns shooting, killing of Akwasi Banahene

    The Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) has expressed shock over the shooting of businessman, Akwasi Banahene, by unknown assailants at his residence on Friday, August 21.

    The group condemned the action which they described as ‘ barbaric’.

    HRRG called on the Ghana Police Service to quickly probe into the matter and prosecute the perpetrators. This they said will ensure justice is served while deterring others from such actions.

    In a statement dated August 26, the group said, “While commiserating with the bereaved family, we equally expressed concern at the growing state of insecurity in the country in recent times.

    “Again we have appealed to the Police force to step up their efforts to fight crime and protect lives especially in the run-up to the upcoming general polls slated for December 7.”

    Mr Banahene, a successful timber contractor and a staunch member of the National Democratic Congress was shot and killed by unknown assailants last Friday on his way home from work.

    The killing of Mr Banahene is part of a series of murders that have been recorded in the Ashanti Region recently.

    Source: MyJoyOnline

  • PRESS RELEASE BY HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTERS-GHANA (HRRG) ON THE KIDNNAPED GHANAIAN GIRLS

    PRESS RELEASE BY HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTERS-GHANA (HRRG) ON THE KIDNNAPED GHANAIAN GIRLS

    Human Rights Reporters-Ghana (HRRG) as an NGO committed to fight against all forms of violence that affects our women, girls and children in all forms including Sexual and Gender Based Violence(SGBVs) and Harmful Practices, Child rights(Child Trafficking, Modern Slavery), Women’s and Girls rights(Kayayei, gender equality, FGM, Child Marriages etc.) Rape, Domestic Violence and the like, we write to express HRR-G concern over the recent kidnapping of girls in Ghana.

    This is causing fear and panic among our sisters and daughters who have become targets those engaged in this inhuman act against women in general.

    This is disturbing, every new report of a missing girl is a big worry to Human Rights Reporters-Ghana (HRRG) hence we are by this press release adding our voice to all and sundry who have the return and or finding of the missing girls at heart.

    The Takoradi municipality kidnapping cases have become a world news. Human Rights Reporters-Ghana (HRR-G) stands in solidarity with the missing girls and their families and condemn the act.

    The Ghana Police Service continues to work around the clock to unravel the mysteries surrounding these disappearances but as a nation, we have looked on for far too many kidnappings to take place before we began to take the matter serious.

    The reactive steps taken after the missing of the third girl is rather unfortunate. The Ghana Police Service should have employed all the seriousness they are exhibiting now long before the second girl was kidnapped.

    Information we have gathered indicated the, 16 year old SHS student kidnapped on August 15, 2018 has been dumb since she was found, and has been battling with the trauma of the ordeal.

    It was very disheartening to hear that, another lady, 21 years of age, suffered a similar fate in the same Takoradi Metropolis at the Nkroful junction.

    The last that was heard from her on the faithful day she was kidnapped was “daa-daa-daa” as she tried t reach her father on the phone. Kidnappers requested for a ransom, which has been paid yet the girl has not been released.

    On December 4, 2018 yet another girl was kindnapped by persons who had dressed as if they worked with the telecos company MTN. The end and short of that story is that, another girls fell victim.

    December 21, 2018, January 24, 2019, January 25, 2019 have all been days on which our girls have been kidnapped by the gang engaged in inhuman activity.

    The entire nation continues to live in fear however, Human Rights Reporters-Ghana ((HRR-G) says enough is enough. We must get answers now! The Interior ministers responds “I’m not a prophet” is rather unfortunate.

    We stand in solidarity with the people of Takoradi and the entire nation and call for concerted effort by all stakeholders to #bringtheGhanaiansgirls.

    We further condemn the barbaric act and encourage everyone to be vigilant as we nab down this perpetrators.

    We believe sincerely that many others should add their voices and join us not to only condemn these acts, but continue to be on the smart lookout in our environment, provide any leads as we continue the search to find our missing girls.

    We further challenge the police to use this occasion to gain the confidence of the Ghanaians people by helping solve this jigsaw puzzle in Takoradi and other places where the kidnapping is going on.

    We urge the police who have partnered security experts from the US and UK as we have been made to believe to speed up the process and do a professional job this time round.