Workshop on the Rights of Arrested Persons slated for Wednesday, April 18

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), an international and independent non-governmental organization, working to promote the practical realization of human rights in Commonwealth Countries, is organizing a workshop on the Rights of Arrested Persons in Ghana.

The workshop which is part of CHRI's on-going Police Reform Project, is scheduled for Takoradi on Wednesday, April 18.

A statement signed by Ms Mina Mensah, Greater Accra Regional Coordinator, and copied to Ghana News Agency, said the workshop would build the capacity of Community/Faith based organizations, in relation to arrest and detention, interrogation, legal aid and bail with the hope that, the knowledge acquired would be transferred to their communities to increase community and local advocacy for police reforms.

“Often due to lack of information, the Police, the arrested person and the community take these rights for granted, the result is that many persons regard violation of rights as the norm rather than the exception.”

This would invariably increase public awareness of policing in order to build local advocacy for police reform and enhance the respect for human rights by the police.

"Information on the topic has become increasingly important in this current era where democratic policing and respect for human rights is a key pillar of good governance, "the statement said.

It said Ghana deserved the best policing possible and it was in the best interest of the Police to have the public hold them in high esteem.

"This will only happen when the citizenry are well informed."

More than 50 participants, selected from Community/Faith Based Organizations, NCCE, CHRAJ, Legal Aid, the GPS and the media are expected to attend.**