Deputy Attorney-General and Deputy Minister for Justice Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has commended the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for its enormous efforts in overseeing the annual observation of Human Rights Day in Ghana.
He made this statement during the commemoration of the 2023 International Human Rights Day at the Best Western Premier Hotel in Accra.
Tuah-Yeboah commended Ghana for its efforts in establishing strong legal and institutional frameworks to address challenges in ensuring the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms. He specifically acknowledged the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for organizing a roundtable discussion on human rights infringements.
“The fundamental entitlements, such as freedom of expression, press freedom, protection of personal liberty, and respect for human dignity, belong to every individual and, by and large, are a birthright.”
Speaking at the commemoration, he identified some issues raised by CHRAJ, including the disregard for environmental rights in business operations.
Tuah-Yeboah referred to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which demand that companies respect human rights and address any adverse impacts caused by their actions or relationships.
To tackle this concern, a Steering Committee has been established to develop a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in Ghana.
“The corporate responsibility to respect human rights requires companies to put in place Human Rights Due Diligence to identify, address, and mitigate human rights impacts that may occur in their businesses. Companies are also required to have an effective and efficient remedy such as apologies, restitution, and compensation for these human rights impacts. It is against this backdrop that a Steering Committee has been put in place to develop a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in Ghana.”
As Ghana commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the UDHR, Tuah-Yeboah emphasized the importance of acknowledging the progress made in protecting human rights and continuing to strive for a better future. He urged participants to delve into key issues and generate recommendations to further advance the principles enshrined in the UDHR.
“As we commemorate this 75th Anniversary of the UDHR, we owe it to ourselves to recognize the progress made so far in protecting human rights, particularly in Ghana, the work to be done, and the need to adapt to the changing world. We must be unwavering in our resolve to promote and protect human rights in the country.”
He encouraged Ghanaians to be unwavering in their resolve to promote and protect human rights in the country.