The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has put the human rights records of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Administration as far better than that of the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
The commission said unlike the days of the PNDC/NDC regime, there is presently a general sense of greater freedom and a much more conducive environment for the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms. However the commission said much needs to be done to inculcate in the citizenry, a culture of respect for human rights.
In a report issue by CHRAJ on the “state of Human Rights in Ghana 2002”, read by Mr. Justice Francis Emile Short, the commissioner at a press conference to mark the UN human rights day in Accra on Wednesday, the commission mentioned some significant developments made so far by the NPP administration which out weighs that of the NDC’s human rights records.
“Some of the achievements include the cessation of arrests, harassment and detention in military barracks of civilians by military personnel, the repeal of the criminal libel law, sustained efforts towards the enactment of a freedom of Information bill and a Public interest disclosure bill,” the report enumerated. CHRAJ also expressed appreciation for the development of a new and healthy relationship of cooperation between the police and the military.
CHRAJ lauded the people of Ghana for demonstrating a sustained enthusiasm and commitment to political pluralism, democracy and the rule of law. Parliamentary democracy has improved with vibrant opposition in parliament, which is a healthy sign for Ghana’s multi-party democracy, the report indicated. On the issue of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC), CHRAJ welcomed the process as a means of confronting the nation’s turbulent and fractious past, hoping that the on-going process will be supported by all segments of society.
The NRC process should be free of political partisanship and the media should observe the guidelines already agreed for their reportage, especially when the sittings begin, the report cautioned. CHRAJ’s report for the period under review showed that much has been achieved, and expressed regret that ethno cultural conflicts continue to derail the country’s human rights achievements. The conflict which erupted in the Dagbon traditional area and claimed lives and properties including the life of the overlord of the area Ya Na Yakubu Andani, and that which occurred in Bimoba in Mamprusi district, Bechem, Wenchi and Wamfie in Brong Ahafo region, Taming and the Poli in the east Mamprusi district, etc., all did not aid the human right record of the nation, the report said.
The commission was unhappy to learn about the amount of money (?6.4 billion) being spent by the government to resolve conflicts in the Dagbon traditional area, adding that the cost is still rising as the government continues to maintain the security personnel who are ensuring the observance of the state of emergency. The report called on the government to expedite action on the Wuaku Commission Reports and appealed to the people of the area to smoke the peace pipe so that the area could also see development.
CHRAJ pledged its support for the Campaign against Indiscipline which is being championed by Vice-president Aliu Mahama. It urged all Ghanaians to join the campaign.
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has put the human rights records of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Administration as far better than that of the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
The commission said unlike the days of the PNDC/NDC regime, there is presently a general sense of greater freedom and a much more conducive environment for the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms. However the commission said much needs to be done to inculcate in the citizenry, a culture of respect for human rights.
In a report issue by CHRAJ on the “state of Human Rights in Ghana 2002”, read by Mr. Justice Francis Emile Short, the commissioner at a press conference to mark the UN human rights day in Accra on Wednesday, the commission mentioned some significant developments made so far by the NPP administration which out weighs that of the NDC’s human rights records.
“Some of the achievements include the cessation of arrests, harassment and detention in military barracks of civilians by military personnel, the repeal of the criminal libel law, sustained efforts towards the enactment of a freedom of Information bill and a Public interest disclosure bill,” the report enumerated. CHRAJ also expressed appreciation for the development of a new and healthy relationship of cooperation between the police and the military.
CHRAJ lauded the people of Ghana for demonstrating a sustained enthusiasm and commitment to political pluralism, democracy and the rule of law. Parliamentary democracy has improved with vibrant opposition in parliament, which is a healthy sign for Ghana’s multi-party democracy, the report indicated. On the issue of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC), CHRAJ welcomed the process as a means of confronting the nation’s turbulent and fractious past, hoping that the on-going process will be supported by all segments of society.
The NRC process should be free of political partisanship and the media should observe the guidelines already agreed for their reportage, especially when the sittings begin, the report cautioned. CHRAJ’s report for the period under review showed that much has been achieved, and expressed regret that ethno cultural conflicts continue to derail the country’s human rights achievements. The conflict which erupted in the Dagbon traditional area and claimed lives and properties including the life of the overlord of the area Ya Na Yakubu Andani, and that which occurred in Bimoba in Mamprusi district, Bechem, Wenchi and Wamfie in Brong Ahafo region, Taming and the Poli in the east Mamprusi district, etc., all did not aid the human right record of the nation, the report said.
The commission was unhappy to learn about the amount of money (?6.4 billion) being spent by the government to resolve conflicts in the Dagbon traditional area, adding that the cost is still rising as the government continues to maintain the security personnel who are ensuring the observance of the state of emergency. The report called on the government to expedite action on the Wuaku Commission Reports and appealed to the people of the area to smoke the peace pipe so that the area could also see development.
CHRAJ pledged its support for the Campaign against Indiscipline which is being championed by Vice-president Aliu Mahama. It urged all Ghanaians to join the campaign.
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