Tag: The Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)

The second edition of the Africa Peace Advocate Awards event held recently celebrated the remarkable efforts of over 30 Ghanaian individuals who have dedicated themselves to promoting peace in their communities and beyond.  

The event, which took place at the Pottersville Church International, East Legon Hills, Santoe in Accra on Thursday September 21, 2023 brought together prominent figures, activists, and supporters of peace from across the nation.  It was held under the theme: “Action for Africa Peace”

The Africa Peace Advocate Awards event aimed to acknowledge and honor Ghanaians who have utilized their platforms to create awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire action towards achieving lasting peace.

The recipients of the awards were selected based on their exceptional contributions and positive impact on society.

Among the distinguished awardees was Joseph Kobla Wemakor, a renowned journalist and peace advocate who has consistently used his media platform to highlight the importance of peaceful coexistence.

His unbiased reporting and commitment to promoting dialogue have played a significant role in resolving conflicts and fostering understanding among diverse communities.

Another notable recipient was Regina Asamoah, a young entrepreneur who founded an organization dedicated to empowering women and promoting peace through economic development.

Her initiatives have not only provided economic opportunities for marginalized communities but have also fostered unity and reconciliation among different ethnic groups.

The Africa Peace Advocate Awards event also recognized the efforts of organizations that have made significant contributions to peacebuilding in Ghana.

One such organization is the Pamcos Foundation, a non-governmental organization that has been at the forefront of peace education and conflict resolution. Their tireless efforts have helped bridge divides and promote peaceful coexistence among Ghanaians.

Addressing the noble gathering, the United Nations Eminent Peace Ambassador and Country Director for the International Association of World Peace Advocates, Dr. Samuel Ben Owusu, reminded the honorees about the significance of the honor and charged them to be resolute, committed to work, and vigorously utilize their various platforms to advocate for peace, development, and progress for the betterment of all within the African continent.

“We are not just going to honor you with awards. It’s for work. We need you. Ghana needs you. Africa needs you. We need you to use your platforms to speak to bring about change”.

During the event, the awardees expressed their gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of continued efforts towards peacebuilding.

They called for increased collaboration, dialogue, and inclusivity in order to address the root causes of conflicts and create a more harmonious society.

The Africa Peace Advocate Award event served as a platform to inspire and encourage Ghanaians to actively participate in promoting peace within their communities. By recognizing the achievements of these remarkable individuals and organizations, the event aimed to inspire others to take action and make a positive difference in their society.

As Ghana continues its journey towards a more peaceful and prosperous future, the Africa Peace Advocate Award event serves as a reminder of the power of individuals and organizations to effect change and build a society rooted in peace, unity, and understanding.

 

Below is the list of the awardees:

 

1. Mrs. Rev. Dr. Joy Owusu
2. Dr. Bright Okoh
3. Lady Rev. Mrs. Martha Frimpong Boateng
4. Rita Esionam Garglo
5. Dr. Chester Bonnako
6. Ms. Harriet Nartey
7. Ms. Edna Bruce Cudjoe
8. Ms. Regina Asamoah
9. Apostle Abraham Lamptey
10. Hon. Dr. Mrs. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei
11. Fiifi Pratt
12. Mr. Gilbert Aggrey Abeiku
13. Nana Ama Anima Tutuwaa I
14. Dr. Nana Enyinfua III
15. Mrs. Theresa Tawiah Anang
16. Rev. Dr. Victor Anang
17. Pamela Agyapomaa Anokye
18. May Adaeze Chinda
19. Ms. Emmaline Dartey
20. Rev. Nelly Deladem
21. Mrs. Yvonne Antonio
22. Capt. Nii Kojo Nseni Mankattah
23. Ms. Cecilia Agyeiwaa
24. Anokyewaaba Serwaa
25. Ms. Valentina Ofori Afriyie
26. Mr. Philip Danquah
27. Joseph Kobla Wemakor
28. Nana Okogyeaman Oprepeh X

 

Source:IAWPA

 

 

 

 

The Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Joseph Kobla Wemakor, has charged Ghanaian media professionals to rise above the challenges that confront them in the performance of their duties, putting in the time and energy and pushing boundaries to achieve excellence and effect change.

Proving his reputation as a powerhouse in his field, Wemakor expressed his convictions about the critical role of journalism in bringing about profound societal change, regardless of the challenges.

“You see, irrespective of the challenges that bedevil us in the media space, we journalists must be daring, be bold, and go beyond boundaries to overcome challenges and excel to bring about the needed change”.

The HRRG boss made this known while addressing a gathering of Ghanaian journalists at the recently held ‘Anti-Incineration and Plastic Pollution Campaign Media Conference’ in Accra on Friday, August 11, 2023.

The event, an initiative of Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), was organized in partnership with the Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Climate Journalism Network Ghana, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), and GAYO Echo-Club Campus Chapters.

This conference served as a vehicle to increase public awareness of the distressing effects that plastic pollution and incineration practices have on the environment and human health.

The event’s goal, according to its organizers, is to give journalists the knowledge, abilities, and resources they need to report on these complicated issues in a precise, thorough, and engaging way.

Wemakor, who was applauded at the event in front of his peers for his outstanding work in the area of human rights advocacy, which saw him raise the Ghanaian flag high on the international stage by winning the 5th Global Entreps Awards presented by Rachel Torres, the Secretary General of Entreps-International Board of Global Actors and Business for Sustainability in collaboration with the United Nations in Costa Rica, could not conceal his opinions after listening to journalists’ reports.

“Yes, we must admit that there are always challenges out there for us, but the fact must be made known. You see, for anyone to win an award, it is not an easy thing.”

“Sometimes you have to forgo your sleep at night; other times, you have to follow stories that will not pay, but that should not deter you from pushing the boundaries to get your stories out to cause that positive change. And by so doing, God will also see that you are doing something and recognize you”.

The prominent Ghanaian journalist and advocate for human rights challenged journalists to always try to prove themselves, no matter the challenges they face, in order to become agents of societal change. His kind words were intended to inspire, motivate, and give journalists hope.

His words showcase immense respect for journalism, the cornerstone of democracy, and the desire for journalists to rise to the challenges they face with newfound courage and determination.

Wemakor also emphasized the importance of creativity in today’s journalism during his passionate address. He stated that journalists must always look for new ways to create content and disseminate news to the public if they are to prosper and remain relevant in a media environment that is constantly changing.

His candid considerations served to inspire many who stood before him. It was evident that instilling these values — hard work, courage, and innovation — into the media fraternity could indeed effect real, meaningful change in society.

While journalism’s role in societal reformation cannot be overstated, Joseph Wemakor’s address served as a timely reminder of the potential journalists have to shape the world around us. His powerful and compelling reminder is sure to linger in the hearts and minds of Ghanaian journalists and beyond, undoubtedly becoming a beacon for those seeking to create a significant impact through their work.

GAYO’s ’Anti-Incineration and Plastic Pollution Campaign Media Conference’ provided a platform for discussing sustainable solutions to these growing problems. The organization’s ongoing dedication to nurturing a more environmentally conscious society provides hope and practical solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Watch a video on Wemakor’s speech here:

 

Source:humanrightsreporters.com

 

 

 

 

 

The Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Joseph Wemakor, recently discussed the issue of domestic violence and spousal killings in Ghana in an interview on the “Y3 SENE S3N” morning show with the host, Kojo Nsaah-Kwao, popularly known as “The General,” on the Techiman-based Globe TV.

Wemakor talked about the prevalence of domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, in Ghana and the need for authorities to prioritize protecting victims during the interview, which was conducted via Zoom on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

He pointed out that many spousal abuse victims are reluctant to come forward and report the abuse due to a fear of reprisals from their abusers.

The HRRG’s boss equally addressed the alarming trend of killings in Ghana, particularly those of women, and emphasized the necessity for authorities to take action to put a stop to these incidents and bring the offenders to justice.

In response to the question of whether Ghana’s Domestic Violence Act 2007 (Act 732) is fully operational or deficient, he insisted that it is up to the task, but he blamed the Ghana Police Service for not enforcing the law, an action that is impeding the country’s efforts to combat domestic violence.

“I believe the Domestic Violence Act is in effect, but the officers in charge of that department are not on the job.

“They use their own judgment to resolve any problems that are improperly reported to them. You’ll be shocked to learn that the police often tell the abused woman that the reason her husband is mistreating her is due to her character when she goes to the police station to file a complaint”, he said.

Additionally, he lamented the practice of a culture of silence impeding efforts where family members, including religious or faith leaders, particularly pastors of the abused person, will advise him or her to go back into the abusive home to try and secure the marriage at all costs due to embarrassment, knowing full well the danger.

He called for the men in the uniforms to be adequately trained and informed about how to deal with domestic violence issues in the nation in order to be better positioned to support survivors and also help address the issues.

In order to ensure that the public is informed and aware of the issues in order to overcome them, he also called for national sensitization on domestic violence issues.

He also called on Ghanaian society to work towards changing attitudes towards violence against women and children.

In his conclusion, Wemakor emphasized the importance of providing psychological counseling to children who live in abusive households as a means of addressing the country’s rising domestic violence cases, adding that “it is these children who grow up and also perpetrate acts of violence against their partners in abusive households.”

Domestic abuse, also called “domestic violence” or “intimate partner violence”, can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.

Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur in a range of relationships, including those between couples who are married, living together, or dating.

The issue of domestic violence is not unique to Ghana. However, it is a problem that impacts communities all over the world. In some cases, cultural beliefs, societal pressure, and economic hardships can prevent victims from seeking help, leading to prolonged abuse, trauma, and in some cases, death.

The Ghana Police Service’s Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) has statistics that show 305 women were raped and 1,047 girls were defiled in 2020. This is a troubling trend that requires immediate attention.

To address this, various significant initiatives have been taken in some countries around the world, such as establishing national hotlines and safe houses, providing legal services, and counseling to victims.

However, there is still much more that can be done, especially in parts of the world where domestic violence is still seen as a private matter that should not involve the police or other authorities.

It is crucial to give victims control, make sure they are aware of their rights, and enable them to ask for assistance without being afraid of being punished by the abusers. It is also essential that those responsible for such violence be brought to justice in accordance with the needs of the victims.

Domestic abuse and violence against partners are still major problems in Ghana and around the world. Communities must continue to be on the lookout for vulnerable people and fight for their rights, especially for those who have survived these assaults. To ensure that those responsible for such heinous crimes face the full weight of the law, we must unite.

 

Watch the interview here:

 

Source:humanrightsreporters.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uwe Gneiting, a senior researcher at Oxfam America’s Private Sector Department has found that the current era is the most advantageous to address the long-standing issue of the heinous exploitation of Ghanaian cocoa farmers by the major businesses that control the cocoa supply chain.

On Thursday, June 1, 2023, he revealed this in a skype interview with Andrea Sanke, the host of TRT World’s premier news program “The Newsmakers,” about “Ghana Cocoa Farmers Exploitation.”

Even though the issue is not new, Uwe is optimistic that it can be resolved given the commitment of all sector players, especially the companies involved.

I think it’s really more question of will than of ability and currently we simply don’t see enough will especially on the side of the companies to address some of those really greatest grievances”, he indicated

Uwe, who is also the author of an Oxfam report on the plight of cocoa farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast, identified poverty as the root of many sustainability problems plaguing the cocoa industry.

He urged businesses to provide living wages to the farmers in order to lift them out of their low standard of living.

In addition to offering a solution to the issue, the senior researcher for Oxfam urged businesses to reconsider their relationships with governments and their roles within them in order to help governments more effectively carry out their duties both in Ghana and elsewhere.

He emphasized the necessity of transparency in the industry and suggested strategies to shift more resources to farmers through higher prices, cash transfers, or other approaches that are hardly seen as a permanent fix.

One of Ghana’s most significant industries and a major contributor to the national economy is the cocoa sector. With about 800,000 cocoa farmers, Ghana is the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world. The heinous exploitation of Ghanaian cocoa farmers by large corporations, which is supported by the government, poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of cocoa farmers, despite the industry’s importance.

Large corporations pay extremely low prices for cocoa beans from Ghanaian farmers, paying them a tiny portion of what they should be paid. Since they have no other buyers, cocoa farmers are powerless to negotiate and are forced to accept the low prices set by these businesses. To make matters worse, Ghanaian cocoa farmers only receive a portion of their earnings, with the remainder going to these corporations, and are not paid in cash but rather in kind.

According to a study by Oxfam, more than 400 cocoa farmers in Ghana claim that since 2020, their net income has decreased by an average of 16%. Revenue for women has decreased by almost 22%.

The report highlights the inequality in the chocolate industry, with farmers receiving only a small fraction of the profits. Oxfam is calling for fairer trade practices and for companies to ensure that their supply chains are not contributing to poverty and exploitation.

The report also highlights the need for fair trade policies and practices to ensure that small-scale farmers and workers receive a fair share of the value they create, especially during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. Without such measures, inequality and poverty will continue to persist in the global supply chains of commodities like cocoa, coffee, and tea.

Following their exposure to the documentary film “Facing the cocoa industry’s bittersweet truth,” two other panelists, activist Elikem Kotoko and Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), expressed concern about the plight of Ghanaian and Ivorian cocoa farmers and lamented the harsh realities of their on-the-ground exploitation. The video summarizes the conclusions of the Uwe Gneiting-authored Oxfam report.

“I think it is very sad to say the least in the first place. I felt very ashamed as Ghanaian that having gained independence and have governments in place at this time and this is the quagmire our farmers are going through to think that out of 130 billion dollars only about 2 billion is actually gained by Ghana from that then we are better of reverting to the time of late Former President Kwame Nkrumah when he decided to actually burn the cocoa beans at the port to send a certain signal and to cause some changes. But we have passed that time”, said Elikem Kotoko

Elikem believes that the ‘abysmal’ exploitation of cocoa farmers must end and that it is now time for the farmers to be hungry enough to keep demanding what is rightfully theirs, which the companies have denied them with the assistance of the government.

For his part, the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) Joseph Kobla Wemakor maintained that it has not been easy exposing injustices of the industry simply because the authorities sometimes do not appreciate how these exploitations have been exposed.

While commending Oxfam for producing a quality report which reflects the woes of cocoa farmers and exploitation by large corporations on the ground, he called on the Ghanaian media to heighten coverage on the issues in order to provoke the needed attention of the authorities to act and protect the rights of the farmers against further exploitation.

He pledges his outfit’s support to scale up reportage on the issue towards achieving the desired results with the aim of bringing about change in the lives of the cocoa farmers.

TRT World is Turkey’s first international English-language news network, offering in-depth reporting with a focus on global responsibility.  Headquartered in Istanbul with bureaus around the world, the TRT world operates a satellite presence in 190 countries and viewership of 260 million people, and more.

Its flagship current affairs program, The Newsmakers features in-depth reports and interviews with the drivers of the biggest stories of the week.

The news team goes to the heart of every issue, offering debates, context and commentary that disrupt conventional perspectives on international affairs.

Through the support of the host Andrea Sanke, the news team generate discussion, drive the news agenda and demand accountability from people in power.

The Newsmakers is an honest and relevant take on events that impact people around the world, and challenges the status quo.

Watch the full interview here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Joseph Kobla Wemakor