Amnesty International Ghana Strengthens Ties with Attorney General’s Office, Advocates for Human Rights Reforms
In a bid to foster a stronger partnership with the Attorney General’s office, Amnesty International Ghana’s Country Director, Genevieve Partington, paid a courtesy call to the Honorable Dominic Ayine, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. This meeting marked the first official encounter between Amnesty International Ghana and the Attorney General, and it provided a platform for discussing pressing human rights issues in Ghana.
At the forefront of the discussions was the death penalty, which, although partially abolished in Ghana, still poses constitutional concerns. Genevieve Partington emphasized the need to address the clause that permits the death penalty for treason, urging the Attorney General to ensure its removal during the constitutional review. This, she believes, would enable Amnesty International to recognize Ghana as an abolitionist in practice.
Another critical issue on the agenda was the Witchcraft Accusations Bill, which was passed in Parliament but failed to receive assent from the previous government. Partington sought clarification on the next steps, acknowledging the bill’s private member status and the potential for reintroduction in Parliament. Despite the uncertainty, Amnesty International remains hopeful that the bill will be prioritized and passed into law.
The meeting also touched on the community sentencing bill, which has been in the works but yet to be formally introduced. Genevieve Partington expressed Amnesty International’s concerns about the bill, and the Attorney General’s interest in the matter was encouraging.
Throughout the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to upholding human rights in Ghana. The Attorney General assured Amnesty International that his office would protect and respect the human rights of Ghanaians, regardless of the challenges ahead.
As Amnesty International Ghana continues to engage with the Attorney General’s office, Genevieve Partington acknowledged the potential challenges that lie ahead. She cited the signing of the Second Optional Protocol as a pressing concern, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and collaboration.
This meeting marks the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Amnesty International Ghana and the Attorney General’s office. As Genevieve Partington noted, “It’s all about dialogue and ensuring a good relationship establishment in the Attorney General’s office.” With a shared commitment to human rights, both parties are poised to work together to address the pressing challenges facing Ghana.
As a seasoned human rights advocate, Genevieve Partington brings a wealth of experience to her role as Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana. Her leadership has been instrumental in promoting human rights and social justice in Ghana, and her engagement with the Attorney General’s office is a testament to her dedication to this cause.
The visit has set the stage for a productive partnership, one that will prioritize human rights reforms and promote justice and equality in Ghana. As Amnesty International Ghana continues to work closely with the Attorney General’s office, the country can expect to see meaningful progress on critical human rights issues.
