Amnesty International Ghana strengthens collaboration with Attorney General on Human Rights Issues -

Amnesty International Ghana has taken steps to deepen its engagement with the Attorney General’s office to push for key human rights reforms in the country.

The organization’s Country Director, Genevieve Partington, led a delegation to meet with Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Dominic Ayine, marking their first official interaction since his appointment.

A major focus of the discussions was Ghana’s stance on the death penalty. Although the country has made progress by abolishing it for certain offenses, the law still allows capital punishment for treason.

Partington urged the Attorney General to support the removal of this clause during the constitutional review process. She emphasized that this change would solidify Ghana’s position as a nation that fully rejects the death penalty, paving the way for international recognition as an abolitionist state.

Another critical issue raised was the Witchcraft Accusations Bill. Parliament had previously passed the bill, but it was not signed into law by the former administration. Partington sought clarification on its current status and whether it would be reintroduced.

Despite uncertainty about the legislative process, Amnesty International Ghana remains hopeful that the bill will eventually be passed to protect vulnerable individuals from wrongful accusations and abuse.

The discussion also included the proposed community sentencing bill, which is yet to be officially introduced. Amnesty International Ghana expressed its concerns about delays in the bill’s progress, and the Attorney General’s openness to addressing the matter was seen as a positive step toward improving the country’s justice system.

Throughout the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing human rights in Ghana. Hon. Dominic Ayine assured Amnesty International that his office would continue to uphold the rights of all citizens, despite the challenges that may arise.

As the engagement progresses, Partington highlighted the importance of signing the Second Optional Protocol, which focuses on eliminating the death penalty worldwide. She acknowledged the challenges ahead but stressed the need for continuous dialogue and cooperation between Amnesty International Ghana and the Attorney General’s office.

This meeting marks the beginning of what is expected to be a productive partnership aimed at driving key human rights reforms in Ghana. Partington, a dedicated advocate for human rights and social justice, believes that open discussions and collaboration with government institutions are crucial to ensuring meaningful progress.

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