| GHANA Republic of Ghana Republic of Ghana Joined United Nations: 8 March 1957 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 07/20/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Accra
24,339,838
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of
excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher
infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and
changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would
otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of
excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher
infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and
changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would
otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)
John Atta Mills
President since 07 January 2009
President since 07 January 2009
President and vice president elected on the same ticket by
popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 7 December 2008 with a second round held
28 December 2008
Next scheduled election: 7 December 2012
popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 7 December 2008 with a second round held
28 December 2008
Next scheduled election: 7 December 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
John Dramani Mahama
Vice President since 07 January 2009
Vice President since 07 January 2009
According to the Ghanaian Constitution, the president is both
the chief of state and head of government
the chief of state and head of government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Akan 45.3%, Mole-Dagbon 15.2%, Ewe 11.7%, Ga-Dangme 7.3%, Guan 4%, Gurma 3.6%, Grusi 2.6%,
Mande-Busanga 1%, other tribes 1.4%, other 7.8% (2000 census)
Mande-Busanga 1%, other tribes 1.4%, other 7.8% (2000 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Christian 68.8% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 24.1%, Protestant 18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other 11%), Muslim 15.9%,
traditional 8.5%, other 0.7%, none 6.1% (2000 census)
traditional 8.5%, other 0.7%, none 6.1% (2000 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional Democracy; 10 regions. Legal system is based on English common law and customary law; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a
second term); election last held 7 December 2008 with a second round held 28 December 2008 (next to be held 7
December 2012)
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament (230 seats; note - increased from 200 seats in last election; members are elected by
direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 7 December 2008 (next to be held December 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a
second term); election last held 7 December 2008 with a second round held 28 December 2008 (next to be held 7
December 2012)
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament (230 seats; note - increased from 200 seats in last election; members are elected by
direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 7 December 2008 (next to be held December 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court
| LANGUAGES |
Asante 14.8%, Ewe 12.7%, Fante 9.9%, Boron (Brong) 4.6%, Dagomba 4.3%, Dangme 4.3%, Dagarte (Dagaba)
3.7%, Akyem 3.4%, Ga 3.4%, Akuapem 2.9%, other 36.1% (includes English (official)) (2000 census)
3.7%, Akyem 3.4%, Ga 3.4%, Akuapem 2.9%, other 36.1% (includes English (official)) (2000 census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Well endowed with natural resources, Ghana has roughly twice the per capita output of the poorest countries in West
Africa. Even so, Ghana remains heavily dependent on international financial and technical assistance. Gold and cocoa
production and individual remittances are major sources of foreign exchange. Oil production is expected to expand in late
2010 or early 2011. The domestic economy continues to revolve around agriculture, which accounts for more than a third
of GDP and employs more than half of the work force, mainly small landholders. Ghana signed a Millennium Challenge
Corporation (MCC) Compact in 2006, which aims to assist in transforming Ghana's agricultural sector. Ghana opted for
debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) program in 2002, and is also benefiting from the Multilateral
Debt Relief Initiative that took effect in 2006. Thematic priorities under its current Growth and Poverty Reduction
Strategy, which also provides the framework for development partner assistance, are: macroeconomic stability; private
sector competitiveness; human resource development; and good governance and civic responsibility. Sound
macro-economic management along with high prices for gold and cocoa helped sustain GDP growth in 2008 and 2009.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Ghana)
Africa. Even so, Ghana remains heavily dependent on international financial and technical assistance. Gold and cocoa
production and individual remittances are major sources of foreign exchange. Oil production is expected to expand in late
2010 or early 2011. The domestic economy continues to revolve around agriculture, which accounts for more than a third
of GDP and employs more than half of the work force, mainly small landholders. Ghana signed a Millennium Challenge
Corporation (MCC) Compact in 2006, which aims to assist in transforming Ghana's agricultural sector. Ghana opted for
debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) program in 2002, and is also benefiting from the Multilateral
Debt Relief Initiative that took effect in 2006. Thematic priorities under its current Growth and Poverty Reduction
Strategy, which also provides the framework for development partner assistance, are: macroeconomic stability; private
sector competitiveness; human resource development; and good governance and civic responsibility. Sound
macro-economic management along with high prices for gold and cocoa helped sustain GDP growth in 2008 and 2009.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Ghana)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
A presidential election was held in Ghana on 7 December 2008, at the same time as a parliamentary election. Since no
candidate received more than 50% of the votes, a run-off election was held on 28 December, 2008 between the two
candidates who received the most votes, Nana Akufo-Addo and John Atta Mills. Atta Mills was certified as the victor in
the run-off election on January 3, 2009, by a margin of less than one percent.
With 40% of the vote counted, Akufo-Addo was leading with 49.5% to Atta Mills' 47.6%. While Atta Mills pulled ahead
afterwards, Akufo-Addo again led by a slim margin with over 70% of the votes counted.
The second round was rerun on 28 December 2008 but due to logistics problems, the Tain District alone had its run-off
election on 2 January 2009 due to problems with distributing ballots. Following the voting on 28 December, Atta Mills led
by a slim margin, causing the Election Commission to state it would not announce Atta Mills as the winner until after the
election rerun in Tain. Prior to the announcement hundreds of NDC supporters converged on the election headquarters
demanding that Atta Mills be declared the victor, but were kept at bay by riot police and armed soldiers.
Fear of election day violence caused the NPP to file a lawsuit seeking to delay voting in Tain as it claimed that "the
atmosphere in the rural district was not conducive to a free and fair election". The court denied the NPP's injunction
request and said it would only hear the case on 5 January 2009. In response, the NPP called its supporters to boycott the
vote, for which it was criticised by civil groups
Sources: Wikipedia: Politics of Ghana
candidate received more than 50% of the votes, a run-off election was held on 28 December, 2008 between the two
candidates who received the most votes, Nana Akufo-Addo and John Atta Mills. Atta Mills was certified as the victor in
the run-off election on January 3, 2009, by a margin of less than one percent.
With 40% of the vote counted, Akufo-Addo was leading with 49.5% to Atta Mills' 47.6%. While Atta Mills pulled ahead
afterwards, Akufo-Addo again led by a slim margin with over 70% of the votes counted.
The second round was rerun on 28 December 2008 but due to logistics problems, the Tain District alone had its run-off
election on 2 January 2009 due to problems with distributing ballots. Following the voting on 28 December, Atta Mills led
by a slim margin, causing the Election Commission to state it would not announce Atta Mills as the winner until after the
election rerun in Tain. Prior to the announcement hundreds of NDC supporters converged on the election headquarters
demanding that Atta Mills be declared the victor, but were kept at bay by riot police and armed soldiers.
Fear of election day violence caused the NPP to file a lawsuit seeking to delay voting in Tain as it claimed that "the
atmosphere in the rural district was not conducive to a free and fair election". The court denied the NPP's injunction
request and said it would only hear the case on 5 January 2009. In response, the NPP called its supporters to boycott the
vote, for which it was criticised by civil groups
Sources: Wikipedia: Politics of Ghana
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Ghana struggles to accommodate returning nationals who worked in the cocoa plantations and escaped fighting in Cote
d'Ivoire.
d'Ivoire.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
Refugees (country of origin): 35,653 (Liberia); 8,517 (Togo) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; major transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin
and, to a lesser extent, South American cocaine destined for Europe and the US; widespread crime and money laundering
problem, but the lack of a well developed financial infrastructure limits the country's utility as a money laundering center;
significant domestic cocaine and cannabis use.
and, to a lesser extent, South American cocaine destined for Europe and the US; widespread crime and money laundering
problem, but the lack of a well developed financial infrastructure limits the country's utility as a money laundering center;
significant domestic cocaine and cannabis use.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Ghana
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Ghana is a constitutional democracy with a strong presidency and a unicameral 230-seat parliament. The population is over 23
million. In the December 2008 election, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) won both the presidency and a small
majority in the parliament, marking the country's second successful peaceful transition of power between political parties.
Domestic and international observers determined that the election was generally free and fair. Professor John Evans Atta Mills was
inaugurated as president, and the new parliament convened on January 7. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective
control over security forces, there were some instances in which elements of the security forces acted independently of
government authorities.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Ghana is a constitutional democracy with a strong presidency and a unicameral 230-seat parliament. The population is over 23
million. In the December 2008 election, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) won both the presidency and a small
majority in the parliament, marking the country's second successful peaceful transition of power between political parties.
Domestic and international observers determined that the election was generally free and fair. Professor John Evans Atta Mills was
inaugurated as president, and the new parliament convened on January 7. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective
control over security forces, there were some instances in which elements of the security forces acted independently of
government authorities.
- There were deaths resulting from the excessive use of force by police;
- vigilante violence;
- harsh and life-threatening prison conditions;
- police corruption and impunity;
- prolonged pretrial detention;
- forcible dispersal of demonstrations;
- corruption in all branches of government;
- violence against women and children, including female genital mutilation (FGM);
- societal discrimination against women, persons with disabilities, homosexual persons, and persons with HIV/AIDS;
- trafficking in women and children;
- ethnic discrimination and politically and ethnically motivated violence;
- child labor, including forced child labor.
21 February 2008
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Seventh session Agenda item 3
PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND
CULTURAL, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT
Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, Yakin Ertürk
MISSION TO GHANA* **
Summary
This report contains my findings as Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, following my
official mission to Ghana from 7 to 14 July 2007. It addresses specific forms of violence encountered by women and girls within
the context of the dual normative system in the country and women’s subordinate status in the society at large. The formal State
institutions coexist with a customary system of traditional authorities.
While traditional authorities are also fully bound by Ghana’s international commitments to gender equality to the extent that they
exercise public power, they tend to favour respect for local custom over gender equality. Customary law, which is constitutionally
recognized as a source of law, discriminates against women, especially in relation to questions of inheritance and property. Violence
against women remains widespread and some groups of women are particularly vulnerable. The girl child may be sexually abused
in the family, subjected to early or child marriage or exploited as a kayaye (porter) or domestic worker. Female genital mutilation
and the ritual servitude of trokosi also remain prevalent in some parts of the country, even though these practices have been
criminalized and are on the decrease. Women accused of witchcraft are often violently driven from their communities and forced to
take refuge in “witch camps”. Many widows are subjected to violent evictions from their homes and loss of inheritance, leaving
them destitute.
The police, courts, social services and the health sector are not sufficiently equipped and trained to effectively protect women
facing violence. The Domestic Violence Victims Support Unit, which is tasked to investigate crimes involving domestic violence
against women, is under-resourced and often inadequately trained.
The Domestic Violence Act, which was adopted in 2007, marks an important step forward, but needs to be swiftly followed by the
adoption of a gender-sensitive domestic violence action plan and an earmarked budget to implement the Act.
Click here to read more »
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Seventh session Agenda item 3
PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND
CULTURAL, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT
Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, Yakin Ertürk
MISSION TO GHANA* **
Summary
This report contains my findings as Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, following my
official mission to Ghana from 7 to 14 July 2007. It addresses specific forms of violence encountered by women and girls within
the context of the dual normative system in the country and women’s subordinate status in the society at large. The formal State
institutions coexist with a customary system of traditional authorities.
While traditional authorities are also fully bound by Ghana’s international commitments to gender equality to the extent that they
exercise public power, they tend to favour respect for local custom over gender equality. Customary law, which is constitutionally
recognized as a source of law, discriminates against women, especially in relation to questions of inheritance and property. Violence
against women remains widespread and some groups of women are particularly vulnerable. The girl child may be sexually abused
in the family, subjected to early or child marriage or exploited as a kayaye (porter) or domestic worker. Female genital mutilation
and the ritual servitude of trokosi also remain prevalent in some parts of the country, even though these practices have been
criminalized and are on the decrease. Women accused of witchcraft are often violently driven from their communities and forced to
take refuge in “witch camps”. Many widows are subjected to violent evictions from their homes and loss of inheritance, leaving
them destitute.
The police, courts, social services and the health sector are not sufficiently equipped and trained to effectively protect women
facing violence. The Domestic Violence Victims Support Unit, which is tasked to investigate crimes involving domestic violence
against women, is under-resourced and often inadequately trained.
The Domestic Violence Act, which was adopted in 2007, marks an important step forward, but needs to be swiftly followed by the
adoption of a gender-sensitive domestic violence action plan and an earmarked budget to implement the Act.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD REPORT 2010
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Overview
President John Atta Mills, who took office in January 2009, spent his first year in power working to fulfill campaign promises by
investigating corruption, increasing government transparency, and improving living standards for the poor. However, he also had to
contend with the effects of the global economic crisis, and it remained unclear whether his administration would prove effective.
While problems with voter registration and fighting between NDC and NPP supporters were reported before and during the vote,
the election was ultimately viewed as a success by both domestic and international observers. Akufo-Addo won the first round with
49 percent, while Atta Mills took 48 percent. However, Atta Mills won the runoff with just 50.23 percent. His inauguration in
January 2009 marked the second-ever peaceful, democratic transfer of power in Ghana. The NDC also won concurrent
parliamentary elections, taking 114 seats as the NPP secured 107.
In August 2009, the parliamentary vote at six polling stations in Akwatia was rerun, since the initial results from December 2008
had been disputed. While the seat was awarded to the NPP candidate as expected, the unhindered rerun served as another
demonstration of the stability of Ghana’s democratic system.
After assuming office, Atta Mills faced the difficult task of fulfilling at least some of his campaign pledges while also steering the
country through the global economic crisis. Nonetheless, some NDC supporters, backed by Rawlings, soon began complaining
about the new president’s inability to fulfill his promises or “support those who supported him”—a reference to the patronage
networks that continue to underlie Ghanaian politics. Perceived corruption within the NPP was an important election issue, so Atta
Mills’s decision to investigate a number of former cabinet ministers and NPP officials for corruption was well received, though
NPP officials alleged that the cases were politicized.
While Ghana has been working to move away from donor dependency, the government was forced to make exceptions for the
economic crisis in 2009. It was awarded $1.2 billion in interest-free loans over three years from the World Bank and $602.6 million
from the International Monetary Fund to help tackle “macroeconomic instability.” The government also expected to benefit from
new oil production beginning in 2010.
Ghana is an electoral democracy. The December 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections were considered fair and
competitive. The president and vice president are directly elected on the same ticket for up to two four-year terms.Members of the
unicameral, 230-seat Parliament are also elected for four-year terms.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Overview
President John Atta Mills, who took office in January 2009, spent his first year in power working to fulfill campaign promises by
investigating corruption, increasing government transparency, and improving living standards for the poor. However, he also had to
contend with the effects of the global economic crisis, and it remained unclear whether his administration would prove effective.
While problems with voter registration and fighting between NDC and NPP supporters were reported before and during the vote,
the election was ultimately viewed as a success by both domestic and international observers. Akufo-Addo won the first round with
49 percent, while Atta Mills took 48 percent. However, Atta Mills won the runoff with just 50.23 percent. His inauguration in
January 2009 marked the second-ever peaceful, democratic transfer of power in Ghana. The NDC also won concurrent
parliamentary elections, taking 114 seats as the NPP secured 107.
In August 2009, the parliamentary vote at six polling stations in Akwatia was rerun, since the initial results from December 2008
had been disputed. While the seat was awarded to the NPP candidate as expected, the unhindered rerun served as another
demonstration of the stability of Ghana’s democratic system.
After assuming office, Atta Mills faced the difficult task of fulfilling at least some of his campaign pledges while also steering the
country through the global economic crisis. Nonetheless, some NDC supporters, backed by Rawlings, soon began complaining
about the new president’s inability to fulfill his promises or “support those who supported him”—a reference to the patronage
networks that continue to underlie Ghanaian politics. Perceived corruption within the NPP was an important election issue, so Atta
Mills’s decision to investigate a number of former cabinet ministers and NPP officials for corruption was well received, though
NPP officials alleged that the cases were politicized.
While Ghana has been working to move away from donor dependency, the government was forced to make exceptions for the
economic crisis in 2009. It was awarded $1.2 billion in interest-free loans over three years from the World Bank and $602.6 million
from the International Monetary Fund to help tackle “macroeconomic instability.” The government also expected to benefit from
new oil production beginning in 2010.
Ghana is an electoral democracy. The December 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections were considered fair and
competitive. The president and vice president are directly elected on the same ticket for up to two four-year terms.Members of the
unicameral, 230-seat Parliament are also elected for four-year terms.
Click here to read more »
World Habitat Day: Governments in Africa must end forced evictions
5 October 2009
Governments in Africa must end the practice of forced evictions that leave hundreds of thousands homeless every year, Amnesty
International said on World Habitat Day, 5 October.
In most cases evictions are conducted without any due process, consultation, adequate notice or compensation. Officials carrying
out the evictions often use excessive force against residents.
"It is completely unacceptable that governments across Africa continue to act in violation of regional and international law,
including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights," said Erwin van der Borght, Amnesty International’s Africa
Programme Director.
"Governments have a responsibility to ensure that no further forced evictions take place in Africa and that victims of forced
evictions receive adequate alternative housing and access to effective remedies."
Amnesty International has documented cases of forced evictions in Angola, Chad, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kenya,
Nigeria, Sudan, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. The effect of forced evictions can be catastrophic, particularly for people who are
already living in poverty.
"Forced evictions result not only in people losing their homes and personal possessions, but after forced evictions people may no
longer be able to access clean water, food, sanitation, work, health and education," said Erwin van der Borght.
Click here to read more »
5 October 2009
Governments in Africa must end the practice of forced evictions that leave hundreds of thousands homeless every year, Amnesty
International said on World Habitat Day, 5 October.
In most cases evictions are conducted without any due process, consultation, adequate notice or compensation. Officials carrying
out the evictions often use excessive force against residents.
"It is completely unacceptable that governments across Africa continue to act in violation of regional and international law,
including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights," said Erwin van der Borght, Amnesty International’s Africa
Programme Director.
"Governments have a responsibility to ensure that no further forced evictions take place in Africa and that victims of forced
evictions receive adequate alternative housing and access to effective remedies."
Amnesty International has documented cases of forced evictions in Angola, Chad, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kenya,
Nigeria, Sudan, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. The effect of forced evictions can be catastrophic, particularly for people who are
already living in poverty.
"Forced evictions result not only in people losing their homes and personal possessions, but after forced evictions people may no
longer be able to access clean water, food, sanitation, work, health and education," said Erwin van der Borght.
Click here to read more »
Ghana: Obama Visit Should Highlight Rights
US Should Encourage New Leader to Promote Democracy and Justice in Africa
July 8, 2009
(New York) - United States President Barack Obama should use his visit to Ghana on July 10 and 11, 2009 to encourage its new
president, John Atta Mills, to take a leadership position in Africa on issues of democracy and justice, Human Rights Watch said
today.
Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress took office in January 2009 in a peaceful transition after defeating Nana
Akufo-Addo, the candidate of the then-ruling New Patriotic Party in a presidential election. According to the US administration,
Obama chose Ghana for his first official visit as president to a sub-Saharan African country to show the US government's support
for countries that respect the basic rights of citizens to freely choose their representatives and hold them accountable.
"Ghana's progress on human rights is commendable, but it will have little meaning if left as an isolated example," said Georgette
Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "President Obama should encourage Ghana to promote abroad what it practices at
home."
In contrast with recent elections in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Angola, Ghana's were relatively free and fair, and benefitted
from independent monitoring and management. Unlike recent elections in Kenya and Zimbabwe, the ruling New Patriotic Party
accepted the verdict of the people and conceded defeat.
Obama should also use the visit to stress the importance of criminal prosecutions of those responsible for genocide, war crimes,
and crimes against humanity, Human Rights Watch said. Serious crimes in violation of international law continue to be committed
on the African continent - including in Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Obama should state publicly that
bringing those who commit the gravest crimes to justice is vital for victims and to achieving sustainable peace.
"President Obama will have a chance in Ghana to show his support for a country that is doing things right and to encourage
President Atta Mills to provide strong leadership on issues of democracy and human rights," Gagnon said. "In particular, Obama
should make clear the importance his administration attaches to justice for victims of atrocities."
Click here to read more »
US Should Encourage New Leader to Promote Democracy and Justice in Africa
July 8, 2009
(New York) - United States President Barack Obama should use his visit to Ghana on July 10 and 11, 2009 to encourage its new
president, John Atta Mills, to take a leadership position in Africa on issues of democracy and justice, Human Rights Watch said
today.
Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress took office in January 2009 in a peaceful transition after defeating Nana
Akufo-Addo, the candidate of the then-ruling New Patriotic Party in a presidential election. According to the US administration,
Obama chose Ghana for his first official visit as president to a sub-Saharan African country to show the US government's support
for countries that respect the basic rights of citizens to freely choose their representatives and hold them accountable.
"Ghana's progress on human rights is commendable, but it will have little meaning if left as an isolated example," said Georgette
Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "President Obama should encourage Ghana to promote abroad what it practices at
home."
In contrast with recent elections in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Angola, Ghana's were relatively free and fair, and benefitted
from independent monitoring and management. Unlike recent elections in Kenya and Zimbabwe, the ruling New Patriotic Party
accepted the verdict of the people and conceded defeat.
Obama should also use the visit to stress the importance of criminal prosecutions of those responsible for genocide, war crimes,
and crimes against humanity, Human Rights Watch said. Serious crimes in violation of international law continue to be committed
on the African continent - including in Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Obama should state publicly that
bringing those who commit the gravest crimes to justice is vital for victims and to achieving sustainable peace.
"President Obama will have a chance in Ghana to show his support for a country that is doing things right and to encourage
President Atta Mills to provide strong leadership on issues of democracy and human rights," Gagnon said. "In particular, Obama
should make clear the importance his administration attaches to justice for victims of atrocities."
Click here to read more »
June 2, 2010
President Mills Tackles Delay In Justice Delivery
President John Evans Atta Mills says the judiciary should undertake a critical self examination of it’s activities to engender public
confidence in the delivery of justice in the country.
He said government will do everything possible to ensure proper condition of service for members of the judiciary.
In the same way the Judiciary must also work to improve justice delivery that will make the public have confidence in the justice
delivery system in the country.
President Mills made the remarks when he received a delegation from the Judicial Council at the castle Osu.
President Mills remarked “I value the contribution of the judiciary in the development process of the country. The judicial service is
not perfect and all must work at it”.
The Chief Justice, Justice Georgina Theodora Wood said the judiciary despite some remarkable successes is faced with a number of
challenges. According to her, the delay in justice delivery is a major challenge that the judiciary is working to overcome.
The Chief Justice also briefed President Mills on what the Judicial Council has being doing since it was re-constituted last year.
Click here to read more »
President Mills Tackles Delay In Justice Delivery
President John Evans Atta Mills says the judiciary should undertake a critical self examination of it’s activities to engender public
confidence in the delivery of justice in the country.
He said government will do everything possible to ensure proper condition of service for members of the judiciary.
In the same way the Judiciary must also work to improve justice delivery that will make the public have confidence in the justice
delivery system in the country.
President Mills made the remarks when he received a delegation from the Judicial Council at the castle Osu.
President Mills remarked “I value the contribution of the judiciary in the development process of the country. The judicial service is
not perfect and all must work at it”.
The Chief Justice, Justice Georgina Theodora Wood said the judiciary despite some remarkable successes is faced with a number of
challenges. According to her, the delay in justice delivery is a major challenge that the judiciary is working to overcome.
The Chief Justice also briefed President Mills on what the Judicial Council has being doing since it was re-constituted last year.
Click here to read more »
Student appeals for help.
20 July 2010
Yeji (B/A), July 20, GNA - A 16-year old student of Yeji Methodist Junior High School on Monday appealed to human rights
organisations to intervene and stop her parents from forcing her into early marriage.
Miss Juliana Kamanya said her parents had driven her away from home because of her refusal on four occasions to accept an offer
of early marriage.
She called on the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Domestic Violence and Victims Support
Unit (DOVVSU) and the Social Welfare Department to intervene.
Miss Kamanya made the appeal at a forum organized by the Project Abroad of Human Rights, a Ghanaian-based non-governmental
organisation (NGO) on advocacy and process of law making for basic school children, at Yeji in the Pru District of Brong-Ahafo
Region.
The forum, among other things, was to sensitize participants on the effects of domestic violence and child abuse in the area.
Miss Kamanya said because she had refused to go into early marriage, her parents had shirked their responsibilities of caring for
her, thus compelling her to go into fishing and farming to meet her educational needs.
"I am humbly appealing to CHRAJ, DOVSSU and Social welfare to come to my aid," she said.
Mr. Kenneth Palme, Project Coordinator of the NGO, who led a team of 29-member foreign delegation of the NGO, underscored
the need for parents to show keen interest in the education of their children.
He urged the students to learn hard irrespective of the trauma they went through.
Messrs Robert Adjei and Stephen Tachie Abeam, Headmasters of local Roman Catholic and Methodist Junior High Schools
respectively, expressed worry that students closed from schools around 12.00 pm on Mondays, a market day at Yeji, just to assist
their parents in their economic activities.
They expressed regret about the attitudes of some parents who often engaged their children of school going age to follow them to
farms or fishing to the detriment of their education.
The headmasters commended the NGO for the sensitization forum, saying that would enhance their education and eliminate child
trafficking and child labour in the district.
Mr Ephraim De-Souza, Atebubu District Director of CHRAJ, asked the students to report people who had the motive to defile or
rape them to the police for the law to take its course.
Click here to read more »
20 July 2010
Yeji (B/A), July 20, GNA - A 16-year old student of Yeji Methodist Junior High School on Monday appealed to human rights
organisations to intervene and stop her parents from forcing her into early marriage.
Miss Juliana Kamanya said her parents had driven her away from home because of her refusal on four occasions to accept an offer
of early marriage.
She called on the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Domestic Violence and Victims Support
Unit (DOVVSU) and the Social Welfare Department to intervene.
Miss Kamanya made the appeal at a forum organized by the Project Abroad of Human Rights, a Ghanaian-based non-governmental
organisation (NGO) on advocacy and process of law making for basic school children, at Yeji in the Pru District of Brong-Ahafo
Region.
The forum, among other things, was to sensitize participants on the effects of domestic violence and child abuse in the area.
Miss Kamanya said because she had refused to go into early marriage, her parents had shirked their responsibilities of caring for
her, thus compelling her to go into fishing and farming to meet her educational needs.
"I am humbly appealing to CHRAJ, DOVSSU and Social welfare to come to my aid," she said.
Mr. Kenneth Palme, Project Coordinator of the NGO, who led a team of 29-member foreign delegation of the NGO, underscored
the need for parents to show keen interest in the education of their children.
He urged the students to learn hard irrespective of the trauma they went through.
Messrs Robert Adjei and Stephen Tachie Abeam, Headmasters of local Roman Catholic and Methodist Junior High Schools
respectively, expressed worry that students closed from schools around 12.00 pm on Mondays, a market day at Yeji, just to assist
their parents in their economic activities.
They expressed regret about the attitudes of some parents who often engaged their children of school going age to follow them to
farms or fishing to the detriment of their education.
The headmasters commended the NGO for the sensitization forum, saying that would enhance their education and eliminate child
trafficking and child labour in the district.
Mr Ephraim De-Souza, Atebubu District Director of CHRAJ, asked the students to report people who had the motive to defile or
rape them to the police for the law to take its course.
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Democracy Watch
IN THE ANNALS OF DEMOCRATIC TRANSITIONS
Volume 8, No. 4
January - June 2010
The first year of the Mills Administration is at an end. As expected, it has been an eventful first year: from the yet-again outrageous
ex-gratia payments to holders of political office, to the drama surrounding the impounding of cars and other public assets from
officials of the departing Kufuor administration, the spectacle of the nomination, rejection, renomination, and appointment of
District Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives, and to the Ghana @ 50 probe; there has been no dull moment. We also
experienced three parliamentary elections, two of them incident-plagued. The intraparty wrangling in the main opposition New
Patriotic Party and the ruling National Democratic Congress provided a constant source of political rumours, gossip, speculation
and punditry.
The appalling mistreatment meted out to certain individuals by personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces in connection with the
handling of the protracted Bawku conflict raises troubling questions about the state of respect for human rights and liberties in
Ghana. Finally, the Mills administration has had to contend with its first major corruption and abuse of office scandal – the U.K.
SFO/Mabey & Johnson bribery allegations and - the embarrassing transgressions of the first Minister for Youth and Sports.
The constraint of space will not permit a comprehensive assessment of the democracy- and governance impacting issues that have
arisen during President Mills’ January 2009 inauguration. This volume reviews only some of the key developments in the first year
of the Mills-NDC administration and attempts to analyze their broad implications for the democracy and good governance agenda in
Ghana’s 4th Republic. It discusses, among other things, the misadventures of our national security operatives, the persistent
pandering to so-called “party-footsoldiers,” the Ghana @ 50 probe, the stagnation at local government, the violence-ridden
parliamentary elections in Akwatia and Chereponi, and the confusion surrounding the national school feeding program.
Click here to read more »
IN THE ANNALS OF DEMOCRATIC TRANSITIONS
Volume 8, No. 4
January - June 2010
The first year of the Mills Administration is at an end. As expected, it has been an eventful first year: from the yet-again outrageous
ex-gratia payments to holders of political office, to the drama surrounding the impounding of cars and other public assets from
officials of the departing Kufuor administration, the spectacle of the nomination, rejection, renomination, and appointment of
District Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives, and to the Ghana @ 50 probe; there has been no dull moment. We also
experienced three parliamentary elections, two of them incident-plagued. The intraparty wrangling in the main opposition New
Patriotic Party and the ruling National Democratic Congress provided a constant source of political rumours, gossip, speculation
and punditry.
The appalling mistreatment meted out to certain individuals by personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces in connection with the
handling of the protracted Bawku conflict raises troubling questions about the state of respect for human rights and liberties in
Ghana. Finally, the Mills administration has had to contend with its first major corruption and abuse of office scandal – the U.K.
SFO/Mabey & Johnson bribery allegations and - the embarrassing transgressions of the first Minister for Youth and Sports.
The constraint of space will not permit a comprehensive assessment of the democracy- and governance impacting issues that have
arisen during President Mills’ January 2009 inauguration. This volume reviews only some of the key developments in the first year
of the Mills-NDC administration and attempts to analyze their broad implications for the democracy and good governance agenda in
Ghana’s 4th Republic. It discusses, among other things, the misadventures of our national security operatives, the persistent
pandering to so-called “party-footsoldiers,” the Ghana @ 50 probe, the stagnation at local government, the violence-ridden
parliamentary elections in Akwatia and Chereponi, and the confusion surrounding the national school feeding program.
Click here to read more »
The history of Ghana before the last quarter of the 15th century is derived primarily from oral tradition that refers to
migrations from the ancient kingdoms of the western Sahel which is now the area of present-day Mauritania and Mali.
Also, much of the history is derived from myths told by various tribes in the outlying areas. The first contact with
Europeans was made by the Fante nation of the Gold Coast in 1470, when a party of Portuguese landed and met with the
King of Elmina. In 1482, the Portuguese built Elmina Castle, known in Portuguese as Castelo da Mina, as a permanent
trading base. The first recorded English trading voyage to the coast was made by Thomas Windham in 1553. During the
next three centuries, the English, Portuguese, Swedish, Danes, Dutch and Germans controlled various parts of the coastal
areas. In 1806 the Ashanti-Fante War broke out as the Fante were abandoning the allegiance to the Ashanti in favour of
the British. This sparked a long series of wars, as the Ashanti tried to minimize European power in the region. (See also
Ashanti Invasion of the Gold Coast). In 1821, the British Government took control of the British trading forts on the Gold
Coast. Curiously in 1835 a group of Afro-Brazilian returned to Ghana, and today they are known as the Tabom People.
In 1844 Fanti chiefs in the area signed an agreement with the British, that became the legal stepping-stone to colonial
status for the coastal area. The town Cabo Corso was in the hands of the Portuguese before the British took it over and
named it Cape Coast. It then became known as the first capital of the Gold Coast. Residents (Cudjoes) of Cape Coast
who were part of the Fante Empire were the first to learn the English language, and later taught other people in the Gold
Coast. This status endeared the Fantes to the British. It also created a very good relationship between the Fantes in the
Gold Coast and the rest of West Africa. Cape Coast had the first English School in the Gold Coast, known as
Mfantsipim. The school is now about 150 years old. From 1826 to 1900, the British fought a series of campaigns against
the Ashantis. In 1902 the British succeeded in establishing firm control over the Ashanti region and making the northern
territories a protectorate. British Togoland, the fourth territorial element eventually to form the nation, was part of a former
German colony administered by the United Kingdom from Accra as a League of Nations mandate after 1922. In
December 1946, British Togoland became a United Nations Trust Territory, and in 1957, following a 1956 plebiscite, the
United Nations agreed that the territory would become part of Ghana when the Gold Coast achieved independence. On 6
March 1957, Ghana was declared independent and Nkrumah (now hailed as 'Osagyefo' or 'victorious leader') accepted
the role of Prime Minister. On February 24, 1966, the Ghanaian Army and police overthrew Nkrumah's regime with the
help of the American CIA. The 1979 constitution was modeled on those of Western democracies. The Constitution
entered into force on January 7, 1993, to found the Fourth Republic. On that day, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings was
inaugurated as President and members of Parliament swore their oaths of office. President Kufuor took the oath of office
on January 7, 2001, becoming the first elected president in Ghanas history to succeed another elected president. He was
re-elected in December 2004 for a second four-year term, becoming the first civilian president (without a military
background) to fully serve his tenure and go ahead to be re-elected. Following John Kufour term completion, Ghana
conducted an election for President of 07 December 2008, with John Atta Mills prevailing and taking office on 07
January 2009.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Ghana GhanaWeb: Political History of Ghana
migrations from the ancient kingdoms of the western Sahel which is now the area of present-day Mauritania and Mali.
Also, much of the history is derived from myths told by various tribes in the outlying areas. The first contact with
Europeans was made by the Fante nation of the Gold Coast in 1470, when a party of Portuguese landed and met with the
King of Elmina. In 1482, the Portuguese built Elmina Castle, known in Portuguese as Castelo da Mina, as a permanent
trading base. The first recorded English trading voyage to the coast was made by Thomas Windham in 1553. During the
next three centuries, the English, Portuguese, Swedish, Danes, Dutch and Germans controlled various parts of the coastal
areas. In 1806 the Ashanti-Fante War broke out as the Fante were abandoning the allegiance to the Ashanti in favour of
the British. This sparked a long series of wars, as the Ashanti tried to minimize European power in the region. (See also
Ashanti Invasion of the Gold Coast). In 1821, the British Government took control of the British trading forts on the Gold
Coast. Curiously in 1835 a group of Afro-Brazilian returned to Ghana, and today they are known as the Tabom People.
In 1844 Fanti chiefs in the area signed an agreement with the British, that became the legal stepping-stone to colonial
status for the coastal area. The town Cabo Corso was in the hands of the Portuguese before the British took it over and
named it Cape Coast. It then became known as the first capital of the Gold Coast. Residents (Cudjoes) of Cape Coast
who were part of the Fante Empire were the first to learn the English language, and later taught other people in the Gold
Coast. This status endeared the Fantes to the British. It also created a very good relationship between the Fantes in the
Gold Coast and the rest of West Africa. Cape Coast had the first English School in the Gold Coast, known as
Mfantsipim. The school is now about 150 years old. From 1826 to 1900, the British fought a series of campaigns against
the Ashantis. In 1902 the British succeeded in establishing firm control over the Ashanti region and making the northern
territories a protectorate. British Togoland, the fourth territorial element eventually to form the nation, was part of a former
German colony administered by the United Kingdom from Accra as a League of Nations mandate after 1922. In
December 1946, British Togoland became a United Nations Trust Territory, and in 1957, following a 1956 plebiscite, the
United Nations agreed that the territory would become part of Ghana when the Gold Coast achieved independence. On 6
March 1957, Ghana was declared independent and Nkrumah (now hailed as 'Osagyefo' or 'victorious leader') accepted
the role of Prime Minister. On February 24, 1966, the Ghanaian Army and police overthrew Nkrumah's regime with the
help of the American CIA. The 1979 constitution was modeled on those of Western democracies. The Constitution
entered into force on January 7, 1993, to found the Fourth Republic. On that day, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings was
inaugurated as President and members of Parliament swore their oaths of office. President Kufuor took the oath of office
on January 7, 2001, becoming the first elected president in Ghanas history to succeed another elected president. He was
re-elected in December 2004 for a second four-year term, becoming the first civilian president (without a military
background) to fully serve his tenure and go ahead to be re-elected. Following John Kufour term completion, Ghana
conducted an election for President of 07 December 2008, with John Atta Mills prevailing and taking office on 07
January 2009.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Ghana GhanaWeb: Political History of Ghana
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