Nasira Afrah Gyekye addressing the IPU
Nasira Afrah Gyekye, Member of Parliament for Sekyere Afram Plains, addressed the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly’s Special Accountability Segment in Istanbul, Turkey, emphasising Ghana’s dedication to international human rights standards.
During her speech, Ms. Gyekye highlighted Ghana’s active engagement with various international human rights mechanisms, particularly the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
She expressed pride in the commendations received following the November 2022 UPR, which recognised the country’s efforts in gender equality, child protection, and legislative reform.
Ms. Gyekye outlined significant legislative achievements including the enactment of a Code of Conduct for Public Officers, the passage of an Affirmative Action Law, and the strengthening of the legal framework for universal and free birth registration.
Additionally, she indicated that Ghana has implemented a Social Protection law aimed at safeguarding the rights of vulnerable individuals and initiated legislation to criminalise witchcraft accusations against women.
“In a landmark move, Parliament amended the Criminal Offences Act to abolish the death penalty and further revised the Criminal Code to eliminate cultural practices that contribute to gender-based violence, forced labour, and other forms of inhumane treatment. The amendments also prohibit child, early, and forced marriages,” she said.
Ms. Gyekye added that Ghana has also established a new Committee on Human Rights, marking a historic first for the nation, alongside a newly created Human Rights Unit within the Parliamentary Service, saying, “To enhance collaboration with human rights non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and state agencies, stakeholder consultations have been institutionalised.”
Ms. Gyekye noted that with support from the IPU and various partner organisations, Ghana successfully hosted its inaugural Human and Children’s Rights Conference in June of the previous year. In her concluding remarks, Ms. Gyekye expressed heartfelt gratitude to the IPU for its ongoing partnership and support. She reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to advancing human rights on both national and international stages.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke