Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law while protecting human rights and promoting the responsible use of technology.

Ghana’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Matilda Alomatu Osei-Agyeman, outlined the country’s position during the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

In a Facebook post, Matilda Osei-Agyeman said the congress provided an opportunity for Ghana to deepen international cooperation on crime prevention and criminal justice.

“In our national statement, I reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to inclusive justice systems that protect human rights while leveraging technology responsibly, together with global partners,” she said.

She highlighted the role of President John Dramani Mahama in advancing crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law.

“I highlighted the leadership of the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama in making significant progress to advance crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law,” she stated.

Osei-Agyeman also stressed the need to equip young people with the skills and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.

On anti-corruption, she said the congress was informed about support Ghana had received from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in developing its National Anti-Corruption Action Plans.

Under the Pledge4Justice initiative, Ghana committed to advancing evidence-based crime prevention, protecting women, children and young people, improving support for victims of violence and other vulnerable groups, and promoting equal access to justice.

“On a PLEDGE4JUSTICE, I pledged, on behalf of Ghana, that the country will advance evidence-based crime prevention; strengthen the protection of women, children and young people, improve support for victims of violence and other vulnerable groups; promote equal access to justice,” she said.

The commitments further cover efforts to tackle cybercrime, financial and environmental crimes, and transnational organised crime, alongside enhanced asset recovery and international cooperation.

Ghana also plans to strengthen criminal justice data and forensic capacity and advance digitalisation.

“[We will] advance digitalization, and promote the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence,” Osei-Agyeman said.

She reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the Kyoto Declaration and welcomed the Abu Dhabi Declaration.