CAPSDH lauds Ms Annan Bossman as human right crusader

Accra, Aug. 15, GNA- The African Commission of Health and Human Rights Promoters (CAPSDH), has commended Ms Anna Bossman, former Acting Commissioner of Ghana's Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for her forthrightness in upholding the human rights of the individual especially the vulnerable.

"CAPDSH recognizes her special contributions to human rights issues over the past five years as the Acting Commissioner" a statement signed by Dr Edmund N. Delle, President of the commission noted. It said under the able leadership of Ms Bossman, CHRAJ investigated complaints of violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms in both public and private sectors, including high profile politically induced human rights cases.

"She led in organising workshops on anti-corruption for experts and stakeholders for the development of a National Anti-corruption Document for Ghana, produced audio version of the CHRAJ Act 456 and the Disability Act 715 for persons with sight impairments." The statement said her action was meant to ensure that people with disabilities enjoyed their fundamental human rights.

It said under the leadership of Ms Bossman, CHRAJ developed a Conflict of Interest Guidelines for public office holders. "Ms Bossman was also among the champions of crusaders for the passage of Domestic Violence Bill into law, stood against child prostitution, which has reached an alarming proportion in recent times. "CHRAJ through the instrumentality of the Acting Commissioner enhanced the scale of good governance, democracy, integrity, peace and social development by promoting, protecting and enforcing fundamental human rights and freedoms and administrative justice for all persons in Ghana. "Ms Bossman also intensified efforts to create awareness on issues pertaining to human rights, by initiating a pilot programme on human rights education with basic school children across the country, and developed a human rights training manual for teachers - Human Rights simplified for basic schools."

The statement said the selfless devotion to duty earned Ms. Bossman, the "Women of Honour Ice-Breakers Awards".

It said the former Acting Commissioner obtained accreditation from the Electoral Commission and observed Elections 2008, in order to document and combat election corruption and violations of the fundamental human rights and freedoms before, during and after the elections.

CAPSDH is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the defence and promotion of the ideals enshrined in the universal declaration of human rights of the United Nations and the African Union's charter on Human and People's Rights with emphasis on Health.

The commission has observer status on the African committee on Human and People's Rights and maintains an office in Geneva, Switzerland which serves both as the UN desk and the European bureau. 15 Aug. 09