Western Region Observes Human Rights Week

Takoradi, Aug 12, - Speakers at a seminar on Human Rights have stressed the need for the strict observance and promotion of fundamental human rights and freedoms. The seminar was organized by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) as part of the human rights week celebration in the Western Region. It is on the theme ''Freedom and Justice as the Cornerstone for Development". The Reverend Dr E. H. Brew-Riverson, Superintendent Minister of the Methodist Church, Sekondi, said anyone who does not promote freedom and justice is not fit to be a Ghanaian. It is absolutely important that all who through the electoral process or otherwise assume the reins of Government and leadership should help in generating a sense of responsibility, fairness and justice. ''We need, as a people, to discern such actions as demean the human personality and dignity", he said. Dr Brew-Riverson suggested that appeals should be made to agencies like the police, army, religious bodies, civic, political, women's and trade union groups, and traditional authorities to discourage what he called ''unbecoming acts'' meted out on fellow human beings. Investigations should be conducted into reports of intimidation against sections of the community because of their political and religious affiliations and choices. Mr J. Ebo Quarshie, Western Regional President of the Ghana Bar Association, commended CHRAJ for its work so far particularly for ending the Trokosi system, its regular inspection of prisons and investigations of certain public office holders. CHRAJ, he said, is confronted with real problems adding that for the effective discharge of its responsibilities, there is the need for the commission to be liberated by making it financially independent as much as possible for it to be free from all forms of executive influence. Mr Quarshie noted that CHRAJ has not carried out enough education particularly in the rural areas where he said Police Inspectors behave as "Inspector General of Police", and set their own conditions for the granting of bail to arrested and detained persons. He pointed out that certain laws in the statute books are in conflict with the 1992 constitution and asked CHRAJ to take steps to have those laws removed or amended. Mr John Hackman, Western Regional Co-ordinator of the Ghana National Commission of Children (GNCC), praised CHRAJ for its contribution towards the survival, protection and development of the Ghanaian child. He recalled the intervention of CHRAJ in the Asubonteng medical case, liberation of Trokosi slaves, juveniles found in prisons and many more cases involving children. Mr Hackman asked CHRAJ to liaise with GNCC, the Department of Social Welfare and other related Governmental and Non-Governmental organisations to address child related issues. He urged the commission as part of its public education on human rights and freedoms to stress responsible parenthood to reduce the difficulties that children go through since legislation alone does not rpt not address the underlying socio-economic reasons. Mr Sampson W. Yenu, Acting Western regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers, said as peace makers, peacekeepers and promoters of human rights in schools, the community and the nation, teachers can be used as facilitators and resource persons by CHRAJ in its educational and awareness drive. Mr Joseph E Ansah, Western Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said all agencies of the state particularly the Government which have the responsibility to ensure that human rights, freedom and justice thrive in the country, should be seriously concerned about the rights of the working people. He said when rights of workers are guaranteed, ''We shall be sure to have a stronger cornerstone for development''.