ENDING THE DEATH PENALTY
Amnesty International continues to work on eliminating the death penalty where relevant, and campaigns on individual cases, combating regressive trends and advancing prohibition as a norm of customary international law.
In Ghana,
- Advocate for the criminal offense’s amendment bill (2022) and the armed forces amendment bill (2022) to be passed and signed into law.
- Increase awareness through public discourse ahead of the referendum on the reasons why the death penalty should be completely abolished.
- Influence the government to commute current death sentences to life imprisonment.
- Advocacy for the Executive to sign the Second Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
PREVENTING HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE WITHIN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Amnesty International Ghana is committed to promoting justice, equality, and accountability in Ghana. As part of its broader mission, the organization works actively to address human rights abuses within the criminal justice system through advocacy, public campaigns, legal reforms, and collaboration with key stakeholders.
OBJECTIVES
- Prisoner rights: Advocate for an increase in feeding grants for prisoners from 1.80 Ghana cedis to 5 Ghana cedis.
- Advocacy on The Community Service bill to be passed by the executive and parliament.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
- Strengthened protection of human rights within Ghana’s criminal justice system through advocacy, monitoring, and engagement with key institutions.
- Increased public awareness of rights during arrest, detention, and trial processes, particularly among vulnerable and marginalized groups.
- Enhanced accountability for unlawful detentions, torture, and other abuses through documentation, reporting, and legal support for victims.
- Improved institutional practices among police, prison officials, and judiciary actors through human rights training and policy advocacy.
COMBATTING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST SPECIFIC GROUPS
Amnesty International Ghana is dedicated to protecting the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups facing discrimination. Through advocacy, public education, and community engagement, Amnesty actively combats injustices against women, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and accused witches, promoting equality and inclusion across all sectors of society.
OBJECTIVES
- Support reactive work on the rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups.
- Strengthen efforts to reduce gender-based discrimination by promoting public awareness, supporting survivors of violence, and advocating for the effective enforcement of protective laws and policies.
- Increase protection and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals through rights-based advocacy, community engagement, and resistance to discriminatory laws and anti-LGBTQ+ narratives.
- Promote the rights of persons with disabilities by advocating for accessible environments, public inclusion, and the full implementation of the Disability Act and Ghana’s international obligations.
- Prevent human rights abuses related to witchcraft accusations by working with traditional and community leaders, raising public awareness, and supporting the criminalization of such harmful practices
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Increased protection and visibility for marginalized groups through sustained public education, media advocacy, and community engagement that challenges stigma and harmful stereotypes.
- Strengthened legal and policy advocacy that pushes for the review, reform, or repeal of discriminatory laws and practices targeting women, LGBTQ+ persons, and persons with disabilities.
- Greater inclusion of vulnerable groups in public discourse by elevating their voices through storytelling, youth activism, and leadership training.
- Improved access to justice and support systems for individuals facing discrimination or violence, including legal aid referrals, community-based interventions, and psychosocial support.
- Visible shift in public attitudes toward respect, equality, and non-discrimination for all people, regardless of gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
ADVANCING ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND CULTURAL RIGHTS (ESCR)
Amnesty International Ghana works to advance economic, social, and cultural rights by advocating for access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and social protection. We highlight the inequalities and pressure the government to fulfil its obligations to ensure that all Ghanaians enjoy a dignified standard of living, regardless of their background or status.
OBJECTIVES
- Amnesty International Ghana will undertake additional and nationally specific ESCR work not covered by the Global Priorities.