Human Rights Council
Thirty-seventh session
26 February–23 March 2018
Agenda item 6
Universal periodic review
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review *
Ghana
Introduction
1.The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-eighth session from 6 November to 17 November 2017. The review of Ghana was held at the 4th meeting, on 7 November 2017. The delegation of Ghana was headed by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Gloria Afua Akuffo. At its 10th meeting, held on 10 November 2017, the Working Group adopted the report on Ghana.
2.On 13 February 2017, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Ghana: Bangladesh, Paraguay and South Africa.
3.In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Ghana:
(a)A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/28/GHA/1);
(b)A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/28/GHA/2);
(c)A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/28/GHA/3).
4.A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Brazil, Czechia, Germany, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Ghana through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review.
I.Summary of the proceedings of the review process
A.Presentation by the State under review
5.The head of the delegation stated that Ghana regarded the universal periodic review as a platform for examining the status of human rights of States Members of the United Nations.
6.The obligation of the Government to uphold the human rights of its people was enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, which, inter alia, provided for the establishment of State institutions with mandates to safeguard the human rights of all persons in Ghana, guaranteed people’s access to justice, ensured the independence of the media and empowered citizens to contribute to good governance and the development of the country.
7.The contributions of civil society organizations in Ghana had, over the years, kept Government on its toes in the promotion and protection of human rights and educated the public on its rights. The Government was committed to continued engagement with all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the recommendations accepted at the twenty-eighth session.
8.During the second review, in 2012, Ghana had accepted a total of 123 recommendations and rejected 25. The progress made in the implementation of the accepted recommendations was described in detail in the national report, which highlighted achievements in terms of human rights and challenges impeding efforts towards the full realization of the rights of all persons in Ghana. The delegation acknowledged the budgetary and technical support received from development partners towards the implementation of its human rights programmes.
9.In fulfilment of a recommendation by several States, Ghana had, in June 2016, ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Prior to that, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, an independent constitutional body that met the criteria for national human rights institutions under the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles), had been discharging the responsibility of a national preventive mechanism by monitoring detention facilities, especially prisons and police cells. The Office of the Attorney-General would take the necessary action to seek Cabinet and Parliamentary approval to amend the Commission’s mandate to enable it to undertake the additional responsibilities as a national preventive mechanism before the end of the current Parliament.
10.In December 2016, the people of Ghana had elected the President and 275 parliamentarians in elections that had been rated internationally as peaceful, transparent and inclusive.
11.In line with its commitment to abolish the death penalty, Ghana had voted in favour of Council resolution 36/17 entitled “The question of the death penalty” during the thirty-sixth Council session. On 24 April 2014, Cabinet had approved the abolition of the death penalty. The penalty had, however, remained on statute books because it was an entrenched provision in the Constitution, hence the need to overcome a number of legal hurdles, including by holding a national referendum.
12.Amnesty International (Ghana), in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the Ghana Prisons Service and civil society organizations, had been spearheading an advocacy campaign aimed at abolishing the death penalty. The group was currently engaging the Government to put in place a formal moratorium on the death penalty.
13.The Government had tasked a small committee to review the large number of proposed amendments to the Constitution with a view to continuing the work done by the previous Constitutional Review Implementation Committee.
14.The Implementation Committee had, nonetheless, sponsored the passage of the Head of Family Accountability Bill, the Labour (Amendment) Bill, the Armed Forces (Amendment) Bill, the Internal Audit Agency (Amendment) Bill, the Ghana Immigration Service (Amendment) Bill and the Ghana Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill.
15.Proposed amendments to the Persons with Disability Act (2006), to make it consistent with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, had been made as of September 2017. Consultations had been held with stakeholders and it was expected that the amendments would be passed into law by the end of 2018.
16.Regarding women’s and children’s rights, the Office of the Attorney-General together with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection were jointly sponsoring an amendment to the Intestate Succession Act, 1985 to ensure that the same law applied to all couples, regardless of the type of marriage contracted or the inheritance system to which they belonged.
17.A National Gender Equality Bill to ensure women’s participation in decision-making and politics was being prepared for Cabinet approval for passage by Parliament by the end of 2018.
18.Article 18 of the Constitution made provision for every Ghanaian, irrespective of gender, to own property. Pursuant to that provision, a bill was currently before Parliament to regulate the sharing of spousal property upon death or divorce in order to protect the rights of women in cohabitation relationships and children born outside marriage.
19.To ensure that every reported case of domestic violence, including female genital mutilation, was investigated and prosecuted, the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service had put in place a number of systems, including a referral system that provided victims with counselling, medical and legal assistance.
20.The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection also operated public and supported private shelters to provide care and rehabilitation services for victims of abuse and trafficking.
21.The judiciary had established dedicated Family Tribunal and Gender-based Violence courts to facilitate determination of gender-based violence cases. Currently, there were 4 specialized courts; the number would be increased to 11 in 2018.
22.The Office of the Attorney-General would continue working with the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit and the judiciary to ensure prosecution and adjudication of reported domestic violence cases.
23.The Ghana Education Service, through the Child Friendly School Programme, had developed a professional code of conduct for teachers, which defined physical violence as including corporal punishment. Under the code, teachers were prohibited from inflicting any form of corporal punishment on a child.
24.The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection had developed a child and family welfare policy to eliminate corporal punishment and other forms of abuse against children, both at home and in school. Key interventions under the policy included strengthening community partnership and collaboration with chiefs, queen mothers, community leaders, and religious and other faith-based organizations.
25.In 2016, the Government had introduced the Justice for Children Policy to protect the rights of juvenile offenders, victims and witnesses. The policy was aimed at protecting children’s rights in the justice system.
26.Regarding child labour, Ghana had recently undergone peer review under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States. The Government had committed to taking appropriate steps to address the existing gaps in its National Plan of Action on Child Labour, and more than 2,000 children had been rescued from working in the mining industry in 2017 alone. Other similar special operations by the police were under way to rescue victims of child labour and to bring to justice persons who condoned that practice.
27.Following the implementation of free compulsory universal basic education for all children of school age, in September 2017 the Ministry of Education had begun to implement a free senior high school education policy. It aimed at making secondary school education accessible to all Ghanaians and at ensuring that senior high school students stayed in school and completed their studies, as a tool for economic development and growth. Under the policy, 354,000 students had been placed in senior high schools, raising the transition rate from junior high to senior high school from 67 to 76 per cent in 2017.
28.The passage of the Right to Information Bill ranked high on the legislative agenda of the Attorney-General. It was expected to be placed before Parliament for passage into law before the end of the tenure of the current Parliament.
29.At its second review in 2012, Ghana had accepted a recommendation to monitor the application of customary laws with a view to ensuring that traditional practices were aligned with its international human rights obligations. The Bonyase witch camp in the Northern Region had been closed in December 2014 and the victims of abuses suffered in the camp had been provided with humanitarian assistance, including reintegration into the community of their choice.
30.In February 2016, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection had launched a national project to end child marriage. The Ministry was in the process of implementing a national strategic framework for the prevention of early, forced and child marriage.
31.A discrimination reporting system had been established in 2013. It was aimed at providing remedies for vulnerable groups, such as people living with HIV/AIDS, female sex workers, men who had sex with men, and people who injected drugs.
32.Currently, civil society organizations and the mass media were being utilized to raise awareness about stigmatization. The Ghana AIDS Commission, as part of its 2018 workplan, intended to intensify dissemination of the Ghana AIDS Commission Act, 2016, particularly the sections dealing with non-discrimination. The Act provided for the right to education for all, including women and children infected with HIV and affected by AIDS. It also provided for the establishment of a legal and ethics committee with the mandate to ensure protection of the rights of vulnerable persons. The Committee was in the process of developing an action plan.
33.The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice was currently training its staff in order to build capacity for the protection of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. The aim was to implement resolution 275 adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 2014 and the 2006 Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Under the discrimination reporting system, the right to a remedy for vulnerable persons, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, was guaranteed.
34.The Judicial Service of Ghana, in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney-General, had since 2007 been championing the Justice for All Programme by holding court hearings in prisons across the country aimed at granting bail to and discharging accused persons who had been held on remand for unreasonably long periods without trial. A total of 3,554 inmates had been reviewed under the programme, 711 of whom had been discharged, 1,153 granted bail and 157 convicted.
35.At the inception of the programme, the pretrial inmate population represented 30.6 per cent of the total prison population. At the end of October 2017, that figure had dropped to 13.2 per cent.
36.In addition, the Ghana Prisons Service had established a paralegal unit that had offices in all the large prisons to assist inmates in accessing justice. A case tracking system had been set up to ensure that cases of pretrial prisoners were tracked to check delays and promote speedy trials, which should in turn reduce prison overcrowding.
37.A regular capacity-building programme was now in place for judges, prosecutors and investigators. To ensure consistency in sentencing and to avoid excessive sentencing by judges and magistrates, guidelines had been issued. The Chief Justice had issued a circular to judges and magistrates directing them to comply with the guidelines.
38.A Legal Aid Commission Bill had been approved by Cabinet and would be considered by Parliament in the near future. Once it had passed into law, the legal aid system would become much more effective and provide greater legal assistance to those in need.
39.Ghana had been implementing major social protection interventions and had made remarkable achievements in addressing poverty and vulnerability, including the National Health Insurance Scheme, the School Feeding Programme, capitation grants, free school uniforms, sandals and textbooks and the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Programme. However, certain population groups still suffered from multiple vulnerabilities due to chronic poverty.
40.The Mental Health Act, 2012 had provided for the establishment of the Mental Health Authority of Ghana with the mandate to formulate mental health policies and ensure their implementation. A mental health policy was being developed for cabinet approval and would be launched in due course.
41.Under the Mental Health Act, inhuman treatment of mental patients had been criminalized and free decentralized community oriented services had been established. The Ministry of Health had issued guidelines and launched campaigns for the education, training and monitoring of traditional and faith-based mental healers.
42.A Mental Health Fund had been established under the Act to provide financial resources for the care and management of people suffering from mental disorders.
43.A national Adolescent Reproductive Health Service Policy and Strategy (2016–2020) had been developed and disseminated through social media.
44.The Office of the Attorney-General had completed the process of establishing and hosting an inter-agency coordinating committee on human rights as a dedicated national mechanism for implementation, reporting and follow-up, which would be inaugurated by the first quarter of 2018. Currently, Ghana met its reporting obligations to international and regional human rights bodies and special procedure mechanisms through a process of ministerial or inter-agency consultation on thematic human rights issues.
B.Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
45.During the interactive dialogue, 98 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.
46.The Central African Republic acknowledged that democracy had been further strengthened by the Ghanaian authorities and population. Ghana occupied an important position in the human development rankings.
47.Chad welcomed the implementation of the agreement on child protection, the initiative to end forced marriage and the strategic plan to combat HIV/AIDS.
48.Chile welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It commended Ghana for deciding to abolish capital punishment and urged it to enact the relevant legislation and to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.
49.China welcomed the promotion of health, education and strengthening of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and efforts to promote gender equality and combat discrimination and violence against women.
50.Colombia congratulated Ghana on achieving the Millennium Development Goal on universal free primary education. It welcomed the adoption by Ghana of its gender policy and its implementation of measures against child trafficking.
51.The Congo commended Ghana for its programmes on child protection and encouraged it to continue strengthening the powers of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice.
52.Côte d’Ivoire commended Ghana for ratifying several international legal instruments. It appreciated the measures Ghana had taken to strengthen the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice.
53.Guatemala urged Ghana to continue working with the United Nations to strengthen key legal and judicial institutions. It was concerned about harmful practices involving women and girls, especially female genital mutilation.
54.Czechia appreciated the overview of the human rights situation in the country and thanked Ghana for its comments in reply to some of its advance questions.
55.Denmark was concerned that minority groups in Ghana continued to be subject to violence, discrimination, hate speech and homophobia, and that the Affirmative Action Bill had not yet been enacted.
56.Djibouti welcomed the efforts to improve the human rights situation in the country. It congratulated it on ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.
57.Ecuador commended Ghana for its efforts to implement community services in health care and improve access to health in remote communities and for drawing up a national strategic plan to combat HIV/AIDS.
58.Egypt commended Ghana for holding free, fair elections under universal suffrage. Egypt encouraged it to pursue its constitutional review, and appreciated its human rights efforts and its cooperation with OHCHR.
59.Estonia welcomed the bill on the abolition of the death penalty. It encouraged Ghana to eliminate all harmful practices, including child labour, child, early and forced marriage, domestic violence and female genital mutilation.
60.Ethiopia noted the progress Ghana had achieved in terms of national legislation and its ratification of international human rights instruments. It commended it for its constitutional democracy and for maintaining law and order throughout the country.
61.France welcomed the progress made by Ghana in human rights since the previous review cycle, especially its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.
62.Georgia welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and to the Convention against Torture. It commended Ghana for approving the abolition of the death penalty and encouraged the Government to hold the relevant referendum in a timely fashion.
63.Germany commended Ghana for its social and economic progress, its strengthening of civil rights and its inclusive consultations with civil society to prepare the universal periodic review.
64.Greece expressed its appreciation of the ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and to the Convention against Torture. It commended Ghana for implementing some of the recommendations made during the second review cycle.
65.Cuba commended Ghana for its efforts to combat discrimination and the fact that its current development plan and Shared Growth and Development Agenda embraced the Sustainable Development Goals.
66.Honduras welcomed the fact that Ghana had accepted many recommendations from the 2012 review cycle.
67.Hungary encouraged Ghana to identify gaps in its current legal and policy systems to protect children from violence and to strengthen monitoring of corporal punishment.
68.Iceland welcomed the progress made in protecting and promoting human rights since the second review cycle, but noted that improvements were still required.
69.India recognized the adoption of the 2015 gender policy and the approval of the Affirmative Action Bill. India welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
70.Indonesia commended Ghana for ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and welcomed its cooperation with the paralegal department to assist prison inmates with the appeal process.
71.The Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledged the measures taken to promote and protect health services, including community-based health and planning services for people living in remote areas.
72.Iraq noted the commitment of Ghana to implement a national human rights action plan, to provide universal primary education and to take affirmative action to ensure gender equality.
73.Ireland recognized the efforts to combat female genital mutilation. It welcomed its promotion and protection of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, but was concerned about ambiguities in that regard in the Criminal Code.
74.Israel commended Ghana for its establishment of a special task force to combat human trafficking, the plan to eliminate early and forced child marriage and measures to end discrimination against persons with HIV.
75.Italy commended Ghana for ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and its efforts to eradicate poverty, promote access to education, reduce maternal mortality, increase birth registration and combat child labour.
76.Japan commended the activities of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit, but was concerned at the persistence of harmful customs, including forced early marriage. It noted with concern that 21.8 per cent of children were reportedly engaged in child labour.
77.Kenya asked how Ghana was ensuring that pregnant girls could attend school. It commended the efforts to implement the recommendations from previous reviews and encouraged Ghana to maintain that approach.
78.Latvia noted that, while Ghana had improved its cooperation with the special procedures of the Council, a significant number of requests by special procedure mandate holders had not yet been accepted.
79.Lebanon appreciated the continued efforts to promote health care, provide free education and fight discrimination through ad hoc programmes.
80.Libya welcomed the efforts to improve health care, particularly its adoption of a mental health law that aimed to improve living conditions and treatment for persons in psychiatric institutions.
81.Liechtenstein welcomed the commitment to international criminal justice through ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. It noted efforts to address child labour and abolish the death penalty.
82.Madagascar commended Ghana for implementing a notification system to deal with stigmatization and discrimination and the Child Protection Compact.
83.Malaysia was pleased that Ghana was enhancing the role of women and deploying efforts to promote gender mainstreaming and equality. It welcomed efforts to improve access to education and combat poverty.
84.Maldives welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and to the Convention against Torture. It commended efforts to end child marriage and to provide free high school education and compulsory universal basic education.
85.Mali welcomed the fact that Ghana had signed the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption and ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It also welcomed the progress made on abolishing the death penalty.
86.Mauritania noted that the number of pretrial detainees had fallen, that community-based health services had been set up in remote areas and that a secondary education programme had been implemented.
87.Mexico commended Ghana for ratifying the Optional Protocols to the Convention against Torture and to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
88.Mauritius congratulated Ghana for its democratic elections in December 2016. It encouraged it to pursue its comprehensive social policies targeting vulnerable groups.
89.Mongolia welcomed the decision to abolish the death penalty. It noted efforts to strengthen the right to education, promote gender equality and eliminate discrimination against women.
90.Montenegro noted the high rates of violence, abuse and child exploitation and marriage in Ghana. It asked the Ghanaian delegation to elaborate on measures to ensure affordable education for adolescent girls.
91.Morocco commended Ghana for developing national action plans on human rights, to eliminate human trafficking and to combat forced marriage.
92.Myanmar was encouraged by the measures taken to improve the human rights of prisoners, address gender-based violence and end child marriage.
93.Namibia welcomed the work of the Constitutional Review Implementation Committee. It noted the human rights initiatives that had been completed and those that were under implementation.
94.The Netherlands welcomed the democratic credentials of Ghana, its attachment to the rule of law and its promotion of those universal values internationally. It commended it for its stand against corruption.
95.Nicaragua welcomed the accession of Ghana to instruments relating to the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. It welcomed progress in education and health, especially for women and girls.
96.Nigeria commended Ghana for its discrimination reporting system, the Child Protection Compact, the baseline survey on human trafficking and its social investment programmes.
97.Norway praised Ghana for the progress achieved, but expressed concern at the prevalence of domestic violence and rape.
98.Peru commended Ghana for its declaration on universal primary education, its national human rights action plan and measures to end early and forced marriage.
99.Poland welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and to the Convention against Torture. It noted the steps taken to abolish the death penalty.
100.Portugal appreciated the commitment to extend free access to senior high school. It expressed concern about the situation of mental health patients.
101.Qatar commended Ghana for its efforts to develop a human rights action plan and a second programme for shared growth and development.
102.The Republic of Korea commended Ghana for its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and its cooperation with United Nations mechanisms. It expressed concern about the human rights of children, women and girls.
103.Rwanda encouraged Ghana to strengthen its efforts to implement laws aimed at ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence.
104.Senegal welcomed measures to improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups and urged the international community to support Ghana.
105.Sierra Leone applauded efforts to develop a national human rights action plan, end child marriage and eliminate human trafficking.
106.Slovenia praised Ghana for ratifying the Optional Protocols to the Convention against Torture and to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. It expressed concern at reports of violence against women, the use of harmful practices, abuse and sexual exploitation of children.
107.South Africa welcomed the commitment to implementing recommendations from the previous review cycle and to resolve outstanding issues following the Constitutional review process.
108.Spain commended Ghana for progress made in developing a national human rights action plan and for ratifying international instruments.
109.The State of Palestine acknowledged the free senior high school education and one hot meal a day programmes, aimed at improving access to secondary education.
110.The Sudan praised Ghana for ratifying the Optional Protocols to the Convention against Torture and to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and noted with appreciation efforts to increase access to education and socioeconomic development.
111.Sweden appreciated the continued work of Ghana to fulfil its human rights obligations and encouraged it to make further efforts.
112.Switzerland acknowledged efforts to implement the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan and to abolish the death penalty. It remained concerned at the situation of women and children.
113.Timor-Leste welcomed the launch of an inclusive educational policy focused particularly on children with disabilities and the end child marriage project.
114.Togo praised Ghana for its efforts to combat poverty and promote socioeconomic development focusing on vulnerable groups.
115.Tunisia appreciated the steps taken by Ghana to ratify a number of international legal instruments and align its national legislation with them.
116.Turkey commended Ghana for ratifying human rights treaties and establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor to address corruption.
117.Uganda welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and urged Ghana to align its juvenile justice system with that Convention to address the problem of child labour.
118.Ukraine appreciated the establishment of a standing coordinating body and a road map to implement previous review recommendations and called on international partners to support Ghana.
119.The United Kingdom recognized the progress made by Ghana in terms of human rights and made recommendations.
120. The United States of America recognized the efforts of Ghana to uphold human rights, but remained concerned about prison conditions and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, women and people with disabilities.
121.Uruguay welcomed the discrimination reporting system and efforts made to combat harmful practices. It expressed hope that capital punishment would be repealed after the referendum.
122.The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela acknowledged the programmes for shared growth and development and to combat poverty. It urged Ghana to continue improving the human rights situation.
123.Zambia noted with satisfaction the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the implementation of the end child marriage project and the Justice for All Programme.
124.Zimbabwe appreciated the steps taken by Ghana to improve social services, reduce poverty and promote socioeconomic development, and its ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention against Torture and to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
125.Albania commended Ghana for its end child marriage project and encouraged it to extend free access to senior high school education.
126.Algeria welcomed the end child marriage project, the measures to extend access to school education and to combat discrimination, and the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
127.Angola commended Ghana for launching an inclusive education system focused on people with disabilities and for its progress in terms of health, justice and gender equality.
128.Argentina made recommendations.
129.Armenia commended Ghana for launching the end child marriage project and for ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. It encouraged Ghana to address corporal punishment and violence against women.
130.Australia welcomed the efforts to maintain religious harmony, but noted with concern the criminalization of consensual same-sex relationships and violations of the rights of mental health patients.
131.Austria welcomed progress made in protecting human rights, but expressed concern at reports of excessive use of force and unlawful killings by law enforcement officers.
132.Azerbaijan praised Ghana for achieving the Millennium Development Goal on primary education, ratifying the Optional Protocols to the Convention against Torture and to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and taking measures to combat human trafficking.
133.Bahrain commended Ghana for its efforts, but raised concern about the high rate of child marriage in the country.
134.Belgium noted with satisfaction the efforts to implement the recommendations made during the previous review and encouraged Ghana to continue improving the situation of women and children.
135.Benin welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention against Torture and to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189), and initiatives to ensure gender equality and education for children and to put a stop to enforced and child marriage.
136.Botswana welcomed the projects to end child marriage and child trafficking. It raised concern about the practice of shackling mental health patients and the rise of vigilantism in politics.
137.Brazil commended Ghana for its efforts to combat torture and prison overcrowding and to ensure universal education. It welcomed the Heart to Heart campaign and the Justice for All Programme.
138.Bulgaria encouraged Ghana to take further legislative and policy measures to achieve gender equality, such as adopting the Affirmative Action Bill and implementing the gender policy.
139.Burkina Faso urged Ghana to intensify efforts to ensure women’s rights, notably their rights to inheritance and to participate in public life, and to combat gender violence and harmful practices.
140.Burundi praised Ghana for its efforts in the human rights area and encouraged it to improve conditions in detention and police custody by establishing a national mechanism to prevent torture.
141.Cabo Verde noted with satisfaction that Ghana had ratified a number of international legal instruments and encouraged it to effectively abolish the death penalty.
142.Canada welcomed the commitments to ensuring gender equality and addressing child labour. It encouraged Ghana to implement the National Plan of Action for the Elimination of Child Labour.
143.Pakistan commended Ghana for its discrimination reporting system and Justice for All Programme. It urged the international community to support Ghana in its efforts.
144.The delegation of Ghana replied to a question from Montenegro on affordable education for adolescents and girls and prevention of early marriage and a question from Kenya on pregnant girls’ school attendance.
145.The delegation of Ghana thanked the other delegations for their constructive engagement and messages of solidarity, especially the unanimous recognition of the progress that Ghana had made and continued to make in upholding human rights.
II.Conclusions and/or recommendations
146. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/ listed below have been examined by Ghana and enjoy the support of Ghana:
146.1 Ratify the two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Egypt);
146.2 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure (Georgia);
146.3 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (Honduras) (Islamic Republic of Iran) (Spain) (Montenegro) (Uruguay);
146.4 Promptly ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (Guatemala);
146.5 Expedite the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (Hungary);
146.6 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Honduras) (Spain) (Liechtenstein) (Portugal) (Angola) (Montenegro) (Sweden) (Albania) (Poland) (France);
146.7 Formalize abolition of the death penalty by signing the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Australia);
146.8 Consider ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Belgium);
146.9 Continue efforts to abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Estonia);
146.10 Effectively abolish the death penalty and consider ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Greece);
146.11 Expedite the ratification of the International Labour Organization Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) (India);
146.12 Ratify the conventions that Ghana is a signatory to (Madagascar);
146.13 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Sierra Leone);
146.14 Ratify the remaining Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Portugal);
146.15 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure (Spain);
146.16 Take the necessary measures to ensure that the Persons with Disability Act (2006) is in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (State of Palestine);
146.17 Accede to the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) (Sudan);
146.18 Speed up the ratification procedure of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention) (Togo);
146.19 Amend the Persons with Disability Act of 2006 in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (Turkey);
146.20 Ratify the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (the Kampala Convention) (Uganda);
146.21 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Iraq);
146.22 Take all the necessary measures to complete the alignment of its legislation with all the obligations under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Latvia);
146.23 Intensify efforts aimed at establishing a standing coordinating body for the implementation of recommendations and reporting (Georgia);
146.24 Step up its cooperation with the special procedures of the Human Rights Council by responding positively to the pending visit requests by the special procedure mandate holders (Latvia);
146.25 Adopt an open, merit-based selection process when selecting national candidates for United Nations treaty body elections (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
146.26 Intensify efforts towards the implementation of some of the recommendations of the last review, which are already in the process of being implemented (Nigeria);
146.27 Implement the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Commission speedily (South Africa);
146.28 Establish, before the next universal periodic review, a national preventive mechanism in accordance with the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (Czechia);
146.29 Establish a national preventive mechanism for combating torture in line with the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (Estonia);
146.30 Expedite internal procedures related to the establishing of the national preventive mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Georgia);
146.31 Continue to engage in the effort to designate a national preventive mechanism in Ghana (Indonesia);
146.32 Establish a national mechanism for reporting and follow-up, which includes the elements identified in the practical guide prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner (Mexico);
146.33 Establish a standing coordination mechanism for the implementation of the recommendations and for the drafting of the reports (Morocco);
146.34 Consider establishing the national preventive mechanism, with the necessary legal and administrative provisions for its effective functioning in full independence, and sensitizing prison and police officers on a human rights-based approach towards detainees (Mauritius);
146.35 Establish a national preventive mechanism against torture (Morocco);
146.36 Continue to strengthen its national human rights institution, namely the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, for the Commission to further develop a national human rights action plan which incorporates the Sustainable Development Goals (Indonesia);
146.37 Consider the establishment or the strengthening of the existing national mechanism for coordination, implementation, reporting and follow-up, in line with elements arising from good practices identified in the 2016 OHCHR guide on national mechanisms for reporting and follow-up (Portugal);
146.38 Establish an independent mechanism to carry out investigations of alleged misconduct by police officers (Austria);
146.39 Develop and implement a mechanism or solid legal measure to eliminate violations committed by the security forces and police (Madagascar);
146.40 Continue strengthening the institutions responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights (Cuba);
146.41 Adopt and implement the revised Right to Information Bill in order to establish a robust legislative framework for access to information (Czechia);
146.42 Adopt the Affirmative Action Bill without further delay (Denmark);
146.43 Finalize pending human rights initiatives, including the Affirmative Action or Gender Equality Bill, the Right to Information Bill, and the National Plan of Action on Human Trafficking (Namibia);
146.44 Finalize the process of implementation of the Bill drafted for the abolition of capital punishment (Poland);
146.45 Enact the Right to Information Bill, which has been reviewed by the Attorney General and was submitted to the Cabinet in May 2017 (Turkey);
146.46 Pass gender equality legislation including the Property Rights of Spouses Bill, the Affirmative Action Bill and the Intestate Succession Bill (Australia);
146.47 Adopt the Right to Information Bill, building on its efforts to improve good governance, accountability and transparency (Canada);
146.48 Fully implement the Domestic Violence Act (Austria);
146.49 Complete the process of the development of a national human rights plan that is geared to take into account the implementation of the 2030 Agenda (South Africa);
146.50 Continue its efforts for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to education, and for their integration in the national policies (Pakistan);
146.51 Integrate and apply the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to all its relevant policies including licensing extractive business (Republic of Korea);
146.52 Strengthen implementation of legislation and policies aimed at ending harmful traditional practices, in particular child, early and forced marriage (Rwanda);
146.53 Continue its efforts to develop a national human rights action plan (Sudan);
146.54 Intensify efforts to develop a national human rights action plan (Ukraine);
146.55 Continue adopting all the necessary measures to promote human rights in the country (Cuba);
146.56 Continue its efforts for the development of a comprehensive national action plan for human rights (Pakistan);
146.57 Amend national legislation to allow Ghanaian nationals residing abroad to vote (Egypt);
146.58 Intensify efforts to bring domestic legislation into compliance with the provisions of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Estonia);
146.59 Take the steps necessary to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons from violence and discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity (Ireland);
146.60 Ensure that victims of discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity have access to rehabilitation and remedy and that all perpetrators are punished (Czechia);
146.61 Take measures to fight against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (Italy);
146.62 Continue promoting gender equality through specific laws, plans and programmes (Peru);
146.63 Continue to implement the discrimination reporting system in order to tackle stigmatization and discrimination of the most vulnerable groups (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
146.64 Continue promoting economic and social sustainable development in order to lay a solid foundation for the enjoyment of human rights (China);
146.65 Expedite the development of a concrete national implementation framework on human rights (Uganda);
146.66 Continue the efforts to abolish the death penalty (Colombia) (Côte d’Ivoire) (Togo);
146.67 Abolish formally the death penalty (Netherlands);
146.68 Continue to take the necessary steps to achieve the total abolition of the death penalty (Brazil);
146.69 Establish a moratorium on the death penalty, as the first step towards its full abolition (Portugal);
146.70 Continue the current practice of granting clemency and commuting death sentences, establish an official moratorium on executions and continue the public discourse to finally abolish the death penalty (Germany);
146.71 Take immediate measures to introduce a formal moratorium on executions and take concrete steps toward the total abolition of the death penalty (Norway);
146.72 Consider declaring an official moratorium on executions and organize a referendum on the death penalty, following the approval by Cabinet granting its abolition in 2014 (Namibia);
146.73 Adopt a formal moratorium and commute all death sentences to prison terms (Sweden);
146.74 Intensify its efforts towards abolishing the death penalty including through holding public consultations on a referendum on its abolition in accordance with Ghana’s Constitution (Rwanda);
146.75 Conclude the enactment of a law aimed towards the abolition of the death penalty as prioritized by the Government of Ghana and the holding of the required referendum in this regard (South Africa);
146.76 Finalize the decision on abolishing the death penalty by holding a referendum (Ukraine);
146.77 Put in place the recommendation made in 2011 by the Constitutional Review Commission, in concrete regarding the abolition of the death penalty (Spain);
146.78 Include the total abolition of the death penalty in the Constitution as soon as possible (Switzerland);
146.79 Take further steps on the abolition of the death penalty in accordance with the Constitution and national legislation (Armenia);
146.80 Revise the Criminal Code so as to eliminate mandatory death sentences and pursue efforts to abolish the death penalty (Austria);
146.81 Fully implement legislation on domestic violence (Norway);
146.82 Integrate a human rights component into the protocols of actions for security forces (Guatemala);
146.83 Continue the judiciary system reform to reinforce its efficiency, notably to improve access to justice for all (Djibouti);
146.84 Continue efforts to combat corruption (Algeria);
146.85 Pursue its efforts to strengthen the Human Rights and Administrative Justice Commission, in particular by ensuring adequate financing and guaranteeing its efficiency (Switzerland);
146.86 Enact criminal justice sector reforms to protect the rights of the accused, in particular the rights to a trial within a reasonable time and to legal assistance (United States of America);
146.87 Align its justice system for minors with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant norms (Albania);
146.88 Strengthen efforts to improve prison conditions (France);
146.89 Take necessary steps to improve treatment of prisoners in compliance with international standards (Myanmar);
146.90 Consider the introduction of alternative punishment for minor crimes, to alleviate overcrowding (Netherlands);
146.91 Adopt a law guaranteeing media freedom (Lebanon);
146.92 Continue the efforts made to fight human trafficking, in particular the exploitation of children and women, by reinforcing the fight against the smugglers (Djibouti);
146.93 Finalize adoption of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking (Azerbaijan);
146.94 Strengthen the efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking, protect victims and guarantee them access to medical, social, judicial and rehabilitation services, as well as psychological support (Ecuador);
146.95 Enforce the Human Trafficking Act and the Immigration Amendment Act, and allocate sufficient resources to combat trafficking in persons, human smuggling and other irregular migration (Iceland);
146.96 Further implement actions to fight against trafficking in human beings (Italy);
146.97 Continue efforts to combat human trafficking (Lebanon);
146.98 Continue efforts to combat trafficking in human beings (Libya);
146.99 Adopt and implement anti-trafficking legislation (Norway);
146.100 Enforce the Human Trafficking Act and the Immigration Amendment Act and allocate sufficient resources to combat trafficking in persons (Timor-Leste);
146.101 Adopt a more holistic approach to combating modern slavery, through systematic case referral and improved coordination between law enforcement agencies, in line with the Call to Action that Ghana endorsed on 17 September 2017 in New York (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
146.102 Institute measures to remove existing structural and legislative barriers for women in the labour market (Uganda);
146.103 Continue applying and reinforcing programmes and public policies on inclusion, poverty reduction, equality promotion and non-discrimination, with particular attention to women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities, among other vulnerable groups (Nicaragua);
146.104 Continue strengthening social policy implemented by the Government to tackle the most needy in the country (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
146.105 Establish the Mental Health Fund as described in the Mental Health Act 2012 and provide it with adequate funding (Czechia);
146.106 Ensure implementation of the Mental Health Act, including through the adoption of legislative instruments, and the recruitment of qualified mental health professionals (Timor-Leste);
146.107 Adopt the necessary legislative instruments for the implementation of the Mental Health Act (Turkey);
146.108 Provide health care to persons with mental disabilities (Tunisia);
146.109 Complement the reported improvement in mental health services with more robust supervision of the way mental patients are treated in “prayer camps” (Israel);
146.110 Prevent, investigate and prosecute inhumane treatment in prayer camps or witch camps and psychiatric hospitals. Address societal attitudes condoning such violations and abuses of rights of persons with mental disabilities (Czechia);
146.111 Improve assistance to vulnerable groups, in particular persons facing mental illness (Senegal);
146.112 Fully implement the Ghanaian Mental Health Authority’s announcement that it will abolish inhumane treatment of mentally ill people in prayer camps (Australia);
146.113 Undertake mental health awareness campaigns to educate communities (Botswana);
146.114 Increase government spending on education and in the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria (Iraq);
146.115 Continue its efforts to promote access to health services, including in local communities (Qatar);
146.116 Take the necessary measures to ensure that the National Health Insurance Scheme is financially sustainable for the promotion of basic health care (Turkey);
146.117 Continue improving the access to and the use of health services in the most remote communities (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
146.118 Continue its efforts to implement the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (Sudan);
146.119 Intensify its response to the spread of HIV infection by implementing the new National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (Ukraine);
146.120 Continue its efforts to deliver free education to all, and to ensure that women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are at the forefront of its efforts (State of Palestine);
146.121 Conduct awareness-raising programmes to increase women’s legal literacy (Timor-Leste);
146.122 Continue increasing investment in education providing subsidies to help poverty-stricken students and further increase school enrolment (China);
146.123 Enhance education and awareness-raising to ensure maximum respect for the rights of girls (Japan);
146.124 Continue the efforts being undertaken to make education more accessible and especially to implement the much-lauded free education programme (Kenya);
146.125 Continue improving the quality of primary and secondary education (Peru);
146.126 Work for universal free and compulsory basic education for school-age children (Qatar);
146.127 Implement measures concerning the improvement of the quality of education (Angola);
146.128 Continue its endeavours to increase the quality and availability of education at all levels (Azerbaijan);
146.129 Take concrete steps towards operationalizing extended access to free senior high school for all students (Portugal);
146.130 Abolish legislation discriminating against women in the fields of property ownership, access to credit and inheritance (Austria);
146.131 Eliminate obstacles to the enjoyment of land property rights for women (Albania);
146.132 Ensure that complete and impartial investigation into allegations of all forms of violence against women are conducted, that perpetrators are brought to justice and that victims receive adequate support (Belgium);
146.133 Continue its efforts in order to combat discrimination against women and end all forms of discrimination and violence against women, including domestic violence (Tunisia);
146.134 Reinforce awareness-raising and educational programmes to prevent traditional harmful practices against women and girls and to ensure that victims have access to resources and protection and rehabilitation mechanisms (Guatemala);
146.135 Strengthen its awareness-raising and education programmes, prevent and eradicate harmful traditional practices and ensure that victims have access to remedies and rehabilitation mechanisms (Zambia);
146.136 Continue the efforts in the field of violence against women and the promotion of equality between women and men (Djibouti);
146.137 Continue awareness-raising campaigns on violence against women and girls and ensure that perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice (Italy);
146.138 Continue efforts to combat violence against women and early and forced marriage (Egypt);
146.139 Expedite adoption of laws prohibiting harmful practices against women and girls, including forced and early marriage (Republic of Korea);
146.140 Enact the Affirmative Action Bill promoting women in governance and decision-making positions (Estonia);
146.141 Pass the Affirmative Action Bill speedily to allow the increase of women present in political offices (South Africa);
146.142 Introduce measures to promote the full and active participation of women in public life (Zimbabwe);
146.143 Strengthen the campaign to combat discriminatory practices and violence against women and children (France);
146.144 Continue efforts to implement the 2007 law on domestic violence and prohibit dehumanizing practices against women and girls (France);
146.145 Take appropriate measures to prevent and combat harmful traditional practices which discriminate against women, especially in rural areas (Uruguay);
146.146Intensify efforts to prevent violations of children’s rights and accelerate the adoption and implementation of laws prohibiting harmful practices against women and girls, including trokosi and female genital mutilation (Germany);
146.147 Elaborate a holistic strategy that includes judicial and social measures to eradicate female genital mutilation (Chile);
146.148 Endow the competent authorities with more resources to apply the law that sanctions female genital mutilation, in particular in the most isolated areas (Chile);
146.149 Put an end to harmful practices such as early and forced marriage and genital mutilation, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Honduras);
146.150 Take further measures to strengthen the legislative framework on female genital mutilation, whilst also ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and investigation (Ireland);
146.151 Enhance efforts by law enforcement authorities to eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation (Israel);
146.152 Continue its efforts to eradicate traditional harmful practices, such as child, forced and early marriage and other forms of gender violence, including female genital mutilation and those based on superstition, such as fear of “witchcraft” (Nicaragua);
146.153 Reinforce measures aimed at abolishing female genital mutilation (Peru);
146.154Adopt subnational actions plans for strengthening implementation of laws prohibiting harmful practices, including but not limited to: trokosi, female genital mutilation, child, early and forced marriage, widowhood rites and practices related to “witchcraft” (Sweden);
146.155Strengthen the public authorities in charge of protecting women and children, through adequate financial resources, and further strengthen the awareness-raising campaigns on the prohibition of female genital mutilation and the trokosi practice, which is a ritual form of servitude (Switzerland);
146.156Advance in the eradication of violence against women, intensifying actions such as those developed by the Domestic Violence Branch of the Police, and put in place measures that contribute to the elimination of traditional practices such as female gender mutilation, the trokosi practice and forced marriage (Spain);
146.157 Strengthen and closely monitor laws protecting girls and women from female genital mutilation through dedicated programmes and mechanisms (Norway);
146.158 Take the necessary measures to improve the rights of children, particularly with regard to juvenile justice and the fight against child marriage (Algeria);
146.159 Encourage the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to end the practice and harmful effects of child marriage and related cultural practices (Kenya);
146.160 Make the Ending Child Marriage Unit operational within the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
146.161 Take steps to fully implement the National Strategic Framework for Ending Child Marriage and allocate adequate resources to the Ending Child Marriage Unit within the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (Canada);
146.162 Amend and harmonize all relevant laws in order to ensure that child marriage is strictly prohibited and criminalized (Zambia);
146.163 Strengthen its existing initiatives to end early, forced and child marriage (Zimbabwe);
146.164 Organize programmes about the negative consequences of child marriage and about the importance of education (Bahrain);
146.165 Further intensify the implementation of the coordinated initiative to end early, forced and child marriage (Ethiopia);
146.166 Develop a strategy and an operational national action plan to combat child marriage (Hungary);
146.167 Continue implementing the national end child marriage project and promote awareness of the negative consequences of child marriage and teenage pregnancy (Myanmar);
146.168 Continue its efforts in order to eliminate child marriage (Tunisia);
146.169 Continue efforts to prohibit and eliminate child marriage (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
146.170 Fast-track the finalization of the National Strategy framework aimed at responding to and preventing child, early and forced marriage (Namibia);
146.171 Continue its efforts to expand educational programmes and awareness-raising campaigns for preventing and combating corporal punishment of children in schools and childcare institutions (Bulgaria);
146.172 Prohibit absolutely corporal punishment inflicted on children in all environments, as well as the use, acquisition or the offering of children in the production of pornography and pornographic spectacles (Ecuador);
146.173 Strengthen legislation and establish clear guidelines and measures to prevent child exploitation and their commercial sexual exploitation (Sierra Leone);
146.174 Continue with the legal and administrative steps to finally prohibit fully corporal punishment of children (Kenya);
146.175 Continue the implementation of the previous recommendations regarding, in particular, the protection of children and increasing access to and the effectiveness of justice (Cabo Verde);
146.176 Adopt a sexual and reproductive health policy for adolescents and develop a policy to protect the rights of pregnant teenagers, adolescent mothers and their children and combat discrimination against them (Iceland);
146.177 Implement measures that strengthen the protection of the rights of children and adolescents in order to eradicate child labour and prohibit the sexual exploitation of children (Mexico);
146.178 Exhort further efforts in order to fight child exploitation in dangerous work and work more seriously through the promulgation of laws to combat this dangerous phenomenon (Bahrain);
146.179 Strengthen efforts to implement the legal framework prohibiting child labour (Italy);
146.180 Strengthen its measures to eradicate child labour (Japan);
146.181 Investigate cases of child labour, bring alleged perpetrators to justice and ensure that all victims are protected, assisted, rehabilitated and compensated (Liechtenstein);
146.182 Establish relevant mechanisms, procedures and guidelines to end child sexual exploitation and child labour (Maldives);
146.183 Continue its efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in persons and child labour (Nicaragua);
146.184 Take the necessary measures to eliminate and penalize all forms of hazardous child labour (Republic of Korea);
146.185 Improve the National Action Plan on Child Labour and expand measures adopted in the area of mining to other sectors (Spain);
146.186 Enforce laws on human trafficking and child labour by holding perpetrators criminally accountable and providing adequate funding to investigate traffickers and protect victims (United States of America);
146.187 Adopt legislation on child protection against all forms of ill-treatment, violence and exploitation, and adopt policies and laws more seriously that can be more effective in order to combat discrimination, rape and sexual harassment (Bahrain);
146.188Take all necessary steps to eliminate harmful practices towards girls, as well as release all children who are subjected to the trokosi practice (Poland);
146.189 Adopt a national plan to support the rights of children and to protect them from all forms of abuse, exploitation and violence (Tunisia);
146.190 Strengthen the fight against all forms of child labour by investigating cases of the worst forms of child labour, bringing alleged perpetrators to justice and ensuring that victims are adequately protected, assisted and compensated (Belgium);
146.191 Ensure the effective implementation of the legal framework on child abuse and exploitation and, when necessary, address the related weaknesses (Congo);
146.192 Continue implementing its project aimed at eliminating child trafficking and child labour in fishing communities (Ethiopia);
146.193 Provide assistance to children in preventive detention who do not benefit from any family support (Senegal);
146.194 Further improve the birth registration system so as to reach universal birth registration for children in rural areas and asylum-seeking and refugee children (Turkey);
146.195 Enhance and develop laws to protect the rights of the child (Lebanon);
146.196 Ensure a more comprehensive application of initiatives designed to improve the situation of people with disabilities, including the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty programme (Israel);
146.197 Further improve the legal framework on the rights of persons with disabilities, in line with the provisions of international conventions (Italy);
146.198 Implement a national employment policy for persons with disabilities (Turkey);
146.199 Elaborate and adopt an action plan for strengthening the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in compliance with the 2006 Persons with Disability Act of Ghana (Bulgaria);
146.200 Strengthen strategies to guarantee the protection of the rights of migrants and refugees in order to ensure their access to justice, education and health, regardless of their status (Mexico).
147. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue listed below have been examined by Ghana and have been noted by Ghana:
147.1 Adopt legislative and political measures to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons against stigmatization and violence (Chile);
147.2 Continue strengthening the application of the discrimination reporting system, which protects the rights of people because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, and ensure that the education system guidelines prevent discrimination against students (Colombia);
147.3 Expedite the revision of the legal framework on refugees (Congo);
147.4 Accede to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, in accordance with the commitments made during the Ministerial Conference held in Abidjan on 23 February 2015 (Côte d’Ivoire);
147.5 Ratify the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) (Guatemala);
147.6 Amend the Criminal Procedure Code, 1960 (Act 30) to introduce an alternative sentencing policy (Denmark);
147.7 Combat impunity of perpetrators of torture and ill-treatment, particularly in cases of excessive use of force by the police (France);
147.8 Take measures to decriminalize homosexuality and take special measures of non-discrimination with regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (France);
147.9 Decriminalize same-sex sexual relations between consenting adults by repealing section 104 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code and introduce comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation to provide equal protection against discrimination for all persons and on all grounds (Germany);
147.10 Eliminate the type of crime of “unnatural carnal knowledge” and adopt measures to eradicate discrimination motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity (Greece);
147.11 Adopt measures to ensure universal access to sexual health and reproductive rights pursuant to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Honduras);
147.12 Decriminalize same-sex sexual relations and adopt measures to put an end to discrimination and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (Honduras);
147.13 Take further measures to prevent hate crimes, hate speech and discrimination (Hungary);
147.14 Systematically register all religious and customary marriages (Iceland);
147.15 Ratify or adopt implementing legislation with regard to the 1926 Slavery Convention, the 1956 Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery (Islamic Republic of Iran);
147.16 Ensure that persons with albinism are protected against discrimination (Islamic Republic of Iran);
147.17 Strengthen the national framework for the reduction of all forms of discrimination, especially against persons with albinism (Iraq);
147.18 Expedite action on the review of the Minerals and Mining Act to ensure sound management of the extractive sector to include control of illegal mining activities and integrate community rights (Kenya);
147.19 Ratify the Kampala amendments to the Rome Statute on the crime of aggression (Liechtenstein);
147.20 Revise its Criminal Code so as to eliminate the mandatory death sentence (Liechtenstein);
147.21 Improve the conditions of detainees and address prison overcrowding (Mauritania);
147.22 Prioritize and fund information campaigns for non-discrimination and universal access for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex groups in Ghana (Norway);
147.23 Guarantee protection of human rights of nomad pastors, most of them of the Fulani ethnicity (Peru);
147.24 Prohibit non-consensual treatments, such as forced medication and confinement (Portugal);
147.25 Establish measures and policies to address the stigmatization of persons with albinism and ensure they are effectively protected against discrimination (Sierra Leone);
147.26 Provide clear national guidelines to prevent discrimination in schools and universities on any ground, including sexual orientation and gender identity (Slovenia);
147.27 Decriminalize consensual same-sex sexual acts (Sweden);
147.28 Ensure free birth registration and birth certificate issuance, at least for children up to 5 years of age (Togo);
147.29 Ensure full protection of the human rights of all people in Ghana, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, women, and persons with disabilities, by eliminating discriminatory legislation, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and effectively implementing existing laws and policies on gender and disabilities (United States of America);
147.30 Make efforts to strengthen the legislative framework to protect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community from all forms of discrimination and intimidation or violence by amending laws which criminalize consensual same-sex relations (Uruguay);
147.31 Introduce a crime of torture in the national penal legislation (Albania);
147.32 Ensure that sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex are not punishable by law (Albania);
147.33Deepen efforts to prevent and sanction harmful traditional practices, such as female genital mutilation, the tradition known as trokosi, early forced marriage and accusations of witchcraft and polygamy, guaranteeing the protection and rehabilitation of victims (Argentina);
147.34 Consider amending legislation that penalizes consensual same-sex relations between adults in order to guarantee the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex community, among others (Argentina);
147.35 Ratify the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity (Armenia);
147.36 Decriminalize same-sex relationships between consenting adults and actively address discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity (Australia);
147.37 Step up efforts aimed at ending and discouraging vigilantism in politics in order to protect participation and freedom of expression in public life (Botswana);
147.38 Step up efforts to combat discrimination and violence by adopting measures to raise awareness among the population and public officials of the negative effects of public stigmatization on any grounds, including against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity (Brazil);
147.39 Scale up and expand youth-friendly and gender-sensitive programmes on comprehensive sexuality education and sexual reproductive health and rights (Canada);
147.40 Take measures and demonstrate leadership to prevent, and ensure accountability for, any crimes motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity (Canada);
147.41 Consider ratifying the core human rights treaties, including the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Japan).
148. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.
Annex
[English Only]
Composition of the delegation
The delegation of Ghana was headed by the Honourable Miss Gloria Afua Akuffo, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and composed of the following members:
Honourable Gifty Twum-Ampofo, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Accra;
Mrs. Helen Awo Ziwu, Solicitor-General, Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General, Accra;
Mr. Sylvester Kow Williams, Chief State Attorney, Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General, Accra;
Mrs. Marina Appiah Opare, Chief State Attorney, Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General, Accra;
Mrs. Tricia Quartey, Senior State Attorney, Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General, Accra;
Mr. Richard Apietu, Deputy Judicial Secretary, Ghana Judicial Service, Accra;
Mr. Amos Kwabena Antwi Legal Officer, Ghana Prisons Service, Accra;
Mrs. Florence Ayisi Quartey, Principal Programme Officer, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Accra;
Dr. Fred Nana Poku, Technical and Acting Policy Manager, Ghana AIDS Commission, Acrra;
Mr. Samuel Amankwah, Director of Research and Public Relations, Ministry of the Interior, Accra;
Mr. Jonathan Odartey, Head, Legal, Ministry of Education, Accra;
Mr. Hamidu Adakurugu, Director, Administration and Legal, Ministry of Health, Accra;
Mr. Alexander Grant Ntrakwa, Minister/Chargé d’Affaires ad Interim, Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva;
Mr. Joseph Owusu-Ansah, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva;
Mrs. Peninnah Abena Agyakwaa Danquah, Personal Assistant to the Attorney-General;
Ms. Korankyewa Anamoah, Assistant Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Accra.