CHRAJ recorded 19,417 cases of human rights abuses in 2001

Cape Coast, Sept. 15 GNA - The Commission on Human Rights And Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) recorded 1,564 human right abuses in the Central Region out of a total of 19,417 nationwide in 2001. The national figure for 2000 was 9,265.

Of the 2001 figure, 8,822 were still pending and included termination of appointment, non-payment of end of service benefits, wrongful dismissal and administrative injustice.

Mr Olatunkumbo Garr, Central Regional Director of the Commission, made this known at a symposium at Cape Coast on the theme: "10 Years of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice - Achievements, Prospects and Challenges" as part of activities to mark the 10th anniversary celebration of CHRAJ.

He said people were now aware of their human rights and report abuses against them adding that child maintenance and labour issues were the major complainants the Commission received in the Region He said most of the cases were settled through mediation and reconciliation.

The Director said in the past 10 years, the Commission had "gone through trying moments in its bid to salvage its image" and achieve the objectives for which it was established, adding that it had been able to investigate and bring to book some high public officials involved in bribery and corruption.

Mr Garr commended the government for establishing the Office of Accountability saying that it would help reduce the incidence of bribery and corruption in the country and called for public cooperation. He was, however, expressed reservation about the combination of the positions of the Minister of Justice and Attorney -General, saying it was likely to compromise impartiality in dealing with cases involving government officials.

He noted that although the Commission had chalked some successes, it was still saddled with a number of challenges, such as low budgetary allocation, and unattractive conditions of service, resulting in the mass exodus of its staff.

Professor Dominic Agyeman, a Retired Lecturer of the University of Cape Coast, who presided, commended the Commission for ensuring that people's fundamental human rights were not abused.

He called on the public to assist it by reporting cases of human rights abuses, bribery and corruption, stressing that the Commission alone could not combat corruption in the country.

Other activities lined- up for the weeklong programme include, radio talk shows, house-to-house education and public lectures on the activities of the Commission.